Cylvonnia Felicia Preddy Crowder, a 39-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on August 26, 2007, in Grifton, North Carolina. Cylvonnia was born and raised in Pitt County and attended Pitt County Schools. She was an employee of Britthaven of Ayden and a member of Rouse Abundant Life Ministries. On the night of her death, a 911 call was received from her residence at 1:09 a.m.
When the Pitt County Sheriff's Office responded, they found Cylvonnia dead on the floor of her home with a phone next to her. She had been shot in the head and chest, and there was blood throughout the house.
The investigation revealed that Cylvonnia had been in a relationship with Shelton Darrel Mills, which had soured. According to trial testimony, Mills became jealous and harassed Cylvonnia even after she ended the relationship. Cylvonnia had expressed fear of Mills and mentioned that he continued to harass her, calling her and coming to her house and workplace. On the night of the incident, Mills borrowed a car from his then-girlfriend, Tantelane Moseley, and returned looking nervous and upset. He later asked Moseley to take him out of town.
Mills was arrested and charged with the murder of Cylvonnia Felicia Preddy Crowder. The trial revealed that Mills had threatened to "get her" and that Cylvonnia was scared of him. The court found Mills guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of taking threats seriously to prevent such tragedies.
Cylvonnia's death left a lasting impact on her family and community. She was survived by her husband, Terrance Crowder, her son, Kevin Milton Jr., her father, Richard Preddy, her mother, Doris Carmon Trippett, and her two brothers, Reginald and Richard Preddy. Her funeral services were held on September 1, 2007, at Rouse Abundant Life Ministries, and she was buried in Evergreen Memorial Estates in Grifton. The community mourned the loss of a beloved member and rallied together to support her family during this difficult time.
