Mother Anola Chrystal was born to the late John Jackson and the late Donna Baxter Jackson on April 7, 1921, in Troy, Alabama. She had one sister Tommie Jackson Dash (deceased). Sometime thereafter the family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where Mother Chrystal attended both elementary school and high school. In 1946, Mother Chrystal moved to Saginaw, Michigan, along with her four children—Juanita, Lamar, Herman and Myrtle. In October 1955, she, her husband, the late Minister David Chrystal, and children moved to Rochester, New York. During that same year, she joined the Sibley Lindsay and Curr Department Store in downtown Rochester. She worked at Sibley’s until 1962, due to the illness of her husband. She then became his full-time caregiver, serving him willingly and faithfully at home until 1970 when he passed away.

In addition to caring for her husband and her parents in her home (who both lived to reach the ripe old age of 90 plus years), Mother Chrystal raised her oldest granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. Mother Chrystal was not only a great caregiver to the young and the old over the years, but also enjoyed cooking/baking and gardening. She was an avid reader and Bible scholar. She read the Bible in it’s entirety over 30 years and held several certificates of completion.

Mother Chrystal was saved on Christmas Day, December 25, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan. In February 1956 she joined the Holy City COGIC, Rochester, NY, under the pastorate of the late Supt. Dr. General G. Gary, and faithfully served in various capacities. In October 1977, she joined the Lighthouse COGIC, under the pastorate of the late Supt. Walter J. Monroe, and served faithfully under his ministry until he went home to be with the Lord in April 1997. From January 1998 to June 2015, under the pastorate of Supt. Charles G. Simmons Sr., Mother Chrystal faithfully served as church mother at the Liberty Temple Ministries COGIC, (formerly Lighthouse COGIC). She strongly supported Supt. Simmons’ mission and vision for the church and urged all Liberty Temple members to do the same. In June 2015, at the leading of the Holy Spirit, Mother Chrystal joined Lily of the Valley, COGIC, under the leadership of Pastor Leon Tate, her grandson.

Mother Chrystal served as the State Elect Lady of the Evangelists, Missionaries and Women’s Department, New York Western First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, COGIC, from July 1977 to December 2004. In December 2004, Bishop James R. Wright, Presiding Prelate, appointed Mother Chrystal President of the Evangelist Missionary Board and she held that office until January 2016. During her tenure, she played a very active role on the local, state and national levels of the COGIC. Mother Chrystal had over 30 years of experience in teaching/training, exhorting/admonishing, inspiring, and empowering both current and aspiring missionaries and women and others in the works of God. Moreover, she was a prayer warrior, a bold soldier, a spiritual mother and an advisor to many who sought direction for their lives.

Over the years, Mother Chrystal endured and overcame many life challenges, including cancer. On Saturday, January 12, 2008, during the 18th Annual Evangelist Missionaries Day (formerly Evangelists, Missionaries and Women’s State Day), Mother Chrystal suffered an aneurysm (bleeding stroke). With the help of God, the prayers and support of family and friends, her health continued to improve remarkably and she continued to meet the challenges and beat the odds. Of particular note, in Spring 2008 when Mother Chrystal was discharged from the hospital/nursing home, Patricia took her into her home and became her primary caregiver. Mother Chrystal remained with Patricia and her family until she went home to be with the LORD.

Mother Chrystal was a woman of virtue, a source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration, serving as a model for many. She was a dynamic speaker, expounding the Word of God with boldness. Truly, she was a “Wonder Woman”!

On Tuesday, September 5, 2017, Mother Chrystal transitioned from earth, entering into eternal rest. Mother Chrystal is predeceased by; her daughter, Juanita Burrow; her sons: Lamar Jackson Shorter and Herman English; granddaughter, Yvonne Shorter; and grandsons: Paul Brian Parnell, Jaleon Tate and Arlay Burrow III.

She leaves to cherish forever her memories; daughters: Myrtle (Bishop Paul) Parnell, Joyce Turner, Patricia (Dannie) Junious; son, CPO Jimmie (Miriam) Junious, Jr.; 19 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 40 great-great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, a loving church family and friends.

Mother Anola Chrystal passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Friends may call Monday, September 11, 2017 from 10am to 12 noon. Home going service to begin at 12noon at Liberty Temple Ministries COGIC 144 Reynolds St. Interment Grove Place Cemetery.