Berentha Machelle Crowder

Berentha Machelle Dantzler was born December 26, 1964 to Willie Dantzler and Alice Ray Dantzler (Carter) in Laurel, Mississippi. Her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio while she was very young. She attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from East High School in 1983. As a student, she pursued academic excellence while she enjoyed playing volleyball and tennis.

Berentha, who often used her middle name Machelle, attended Good Shepherd Baptist Church. She later went with a group to establish Central Bible Baptist Church.

Machelle graduated from Dyke College with a degree in secretarial science and went to work to care for herself and her son, Michael Thomas Dantzler. Later, she continued her studies up to receiving a Master of Arts in Education even while teaching full time.

Machelle married Hiram Felton Crowder and their marriage lasted over 23 years. To this union,  they had a daughter, Kayla Grace Crowder. Both children graduated from high school, with Michael handling business and Kayla attending college.

 Machelle struggled physically with multiple illnesses, and On Monday, May 18, 2020 she as called to her heavenly home. She is survived by her husband Hiram Crowder, son Michael Dantzler, daughter Kayla Crowder, parents Willie and Alice Dantzler, sister Brenda Dantzler, daughter-in-law Shenee Dantzler (Johnson), grand-daughters Danika and Malia along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

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