With deep love and gratitude for her life, the family of Crystal Turner Simms-Chunn announces her passing on March 2, 2026. Born on December 21, 1942 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Crystal's life was rooted in the warmth of family, faith, and community.

As a young child, Crystal's family relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 1952 with her father, Walter Laddie Simms, mother, Sally Lash-Simms, and little sister, Sylvia "Teena" Simms-Richardson. Her brother Walter Lad Simms was born shortly after moving to Detroit. As Crystal grew, she carried forward Christian family values instilled in her early years to serve the Lord and be a faithful servant of the King of King, Jesus.

She was the eldest of three siblings and shared a lifelong bond with her sister, Teena and brother, Walter, relationships that remained a steady source of joy throughout her life. Crystal along with the Simms family was baptized at her childhood church, Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church by Reverend E.E. Cleveland in Winston-Salem, NC. Being baptized as a child was a life-changing early declaration of faith that continued to guide her life. Music became one of the ways she expressed her love for the Lord as she grew as a person and in the faith. Fueled by the love of worship, she sang in the choir at City Temple Seventh Day Adventist Church, performing with a beloved group called "The Melodettes", under the direction of the late Clarence O'Neal. Her voice carried warmth, sincerity and a spirit of devotion that touched everyone who listened.

During her school years, Crystal's energy and enthusiasm shined brightly. She graduated from Central High School in 1959, then attended Andrew's University. Thereafter, she transferred to Wayne State University, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialty in mathematics. All three schools were in Detroit, a place where Crystal loved and thrived. In college, Crystal had a passion for Agriculture Engineering, but later changed to Education, focusing on math. Crystal had a brilliant mind that could calculate complex math equations with ease and analyze some of the most difficult problems. Using her skills to help the next generation, Crystal dedicated 33 years of her life to teaching in Detroit Public Schools, shaping young minds with patience, compassion, and a genuine love for learning. Her students remember her not only as an educator, but as someone who believed in them deeply. While in college, Crystal became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, bringing joy, pride and spirited encouragement to everyone. In addition, during this time, she discovered a love and talent for painting, creating works that favor Picasso. Her art displays the depth and breadth of her mind, expression, and creativity.

Those who knew Crystal will forever remember her humor. She was hilarious, the kind of person who could make a whole room laugh until tears streamed down their faces. Her quick wit, her playful spirit, and the way she could turn an ordinary moment into a joyful one were gifts she shared freely.

Crystal's greatest joy came from her family, which was the center of her joy after her love of the Lord. She leaves to mourn: two sons, Steven Alex (Deborah) Chunn and Thomas Jarell Chunn; son (nephew), Leon Barber; her sister, Teena Richardson; grandson, Steven Alex Chunn Jr.; Through Thomas and his wife, Lori Chunn, Crystal's legacy continues with her grandson, Christian Jeremiah Chunn and granddaughter through Valerie Karegeozian, Tava Satinque Turner Chunn. Crystal's love for her children and grandchildren was deep, unwavering, and ever present.

Crystal loved reading her Bible and speaking with her sons and grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. She often asked her sons to pray with her, nurturing a family rooted in faith. Before her passing, she sent a picture of herself and a book about observing the Sabbath to her youngest grandson, Christian Jeremiah Chunn, expressing her heartfelt desire that her grandchildren be raised in the fear and adoration of the Lord.

In her final days, Crystal experienced the joy of praying the Lord's Prayer with Christian and singing gospel songs to him over the phone. She passed knowing that he observes the Sabbath and worships the Lord, an answered prayer that brought her deep peace. A grandmother's prayer continues long after she is gone, echoing through the lives of those she loved.

Good night, dear Mommy Girl, Crystal Chunn. Your warmth, your laughter, your faith, and your love will live on in every heart you touched. We will love you always.

Public viewing Friday, March 27, 2026 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 28, 2026 in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. The family will greet friends thirty-minutes prior to service. Interment in Baileytown Cemetery, Walnut Cove, North Carolina.