In Loving Memory of Crystal Randall Abee and Matthew Kyle Abee

With hearts broken by an unimaginable loss, yet comforted by a deep and abiding faith in God, we remember Crystal Randall Abee, 55, and her beloved son, Matthew Kyle Abee, 32, who went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2026.

Crystal was born on October 3, 1970, and Matthew was born on August 31, 1994. Both called Claremont, North Carolina, home. More than anything, Crystal and Matthew were people of faith, family, and love. Their lives were deeply intertwined, and the bond they shared was one of the many beautiful gifts God gave them.

Crystal was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. For 38 years, she shared a loving marriage with her husband, Ronald Lee Abee. Together, they built a life filled with faith, family, laughter, and countless memories. They enjoyed serving their church together, attending UNC Chapel Hill ball games, going to Crawdad baseball games, and spending time watching the sports they both loved.

Crystal had a smile that could light up a room. Ron described it as angelic, and those who knew her understood exactly what he meant. Her smile was infectious, but it was her heart that truly made her special. Crystal had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. She was warm, compassionate, and always willing to help others in whatever way she could. She never seemed to ask what someone could do for her, but rather what she could do for someone else.

Her faith was at the center of her life. Crystal faithfully served her church in countless ways, including as Chair of the Personnel Committee, serving with Nominations, Women’s Ministry, and many other areas of ministry. She did not simply attend church, she poured her heart into it. She loved her church family and found joy in serving God and others.

Matthew carried that same love of God and service in his own life. He served Woodlawn Baptist Church by overseeing its sound and lighting technology and generously volunteered his time with the Youth Department. He had a heart for serving and was always willing to share his gifts with others.

But perhaps one of the greatest examples of Matthew's loving heart was the devotion he showed to his mother.

After Crystal was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Matthew spent countless hours caring for her. He was there for his mom, not because he had to be, but because he loved her. Their relationship was filled with a love that words can hardly describe. He cared for her, stood beside her, and gave of himself freely. Theirs was not only a mother-and-son relationship but a beautiful friendship and a bond that will forever remain a part of their family’s story.

Crystal and Matthew loved the simple things that made life meaningful. They loved cooking and shopping, gathering around the table with family, playing board games, enjoying family cookouts, laughing until their sides hurt, and simply being together. They treasured their extended family and the time they were able to share with them.

There was a special warmth when Crystal and Matthew were surrounded by the people they loved. Their laughter, their conversations, their familiar presence, and the little moments they shared are now treasured memories that their family will hold close forever.

They were preceded in death by Crystal’s mother and Matthew’s grandmother, Sherrie Shook Lawing; father-in-law and grandfather, David Ronald Abee; mother-in-law and grandmother, Paula Gale Propst; and mother-in-law and grandmother, Martha Ann Abee.

Those left to cherish their memory are Ronald Lee Abee, Crystal’s beloved husband and Matthew’s father; Jimmy Randall, Crystal’s father; Chip Lawing, her stepfather; Jimmy Randall and wife Carissa and their family; and Chad Lawing and wife Crystal and their family, including three nieces and one nephew.

Crystal and Matthew leave behind more than memories. They leave behind pieces of themselves in every person they loved, every life they touched, every prayer they prayed, every meal they shared, every laugh they brought to a family gathering, and every act of kindness they gave so freely.

Now, we entrust them into the hands of the God they served and loved, holding onto the promise that one day, through His grace, those who love them will see them again.

Until that day, may Crystal’s beautiful smile be remembered, may Matthew’s caring heart never be forgotten, and may the love they shared continue to live on through their family.

A Celebration of Life service for Crystal Randall Abee and Matthew Kyle Abee will be held at Woodlawn Baptist Church on September 12, 2026.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends are warmly welcomed to come together to remember two precious lives, share the memories that mean so much, and celebrate the love, faith, and joy that Crystal and Matthew brought into this world.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.caringcremations.net. The Abee family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations in Hickory. 609 Highland Avenue SE, Hickory, NC 28602.