Biography:

A light burning bright has gone out this week.  Trudie Watkins Cromwell, 85, peacefully passed away on the morning of June 26, 2023, in her hometown of Little Rock. Born in 1938, she was the beloved daughter of Edwin and Retta Cromwell. Trudie graduated from LR Central High and went on to earn a B.A. in Mathematics from Hollins College. She was the top of her class at both Central and Hollins, and after graduating Hollins she began her career in the newly created field of computer programming, working at the intelligence facility at Ft. Huachuca, AZ with one of the largest computers of that era.  Returning to Little Rock, Trudie contributed her talents in various ways, including working at UAMS and for the State of Arkansas computer departments. However, it was at Systematics where she found her true calling and dedicated herself to programming until her retirement in 2000. 

Trudie's influence went well beyond her professional accomplishments. She dedicated herself to multiple community endeavors, actively participating in the Junior League, lending her voice to the Happiness Singers, and playing a crucial role in the early development of the Heights Neighborhood Association.

One of her proudest achievements was her initiative to enhance the appeal of Kavanaugh Blvd. She spearheaded the addition of vibrant banners, lush trees, comfortable benches, and well-maintained sidewalks along the bustling Heights shopping district. This transformation aimed to improve the overall quality of the area, benefiting residents, visitors, and shop owners alike.

Throughout her life, Trudie remained steadfast in her commitment to supporting Mount Holly Cemetery and various other community projects. Her contributions reflected her unwavering dedication to Little Rock and its well-being.

Preceded in death by her husband Eugene P. Levy, Trudie leaves behind a legacy cherished by her three sons and six adoring grandchildren. Her son Ed Levy and his wife Mary of Little Rock, along with their children Joseph and wife Michelle, Daniel, Matthew, Joshua, and Abby will forever hold her memory close. Dr. Andrew Stewart Levy and his wife Rhoda, residing in Denver, celebrate Trudie's life alongside their children Anne and Sam, with Anne’s son Jasper. Trudie's son Charles Levy, who resides in San Francisco, followed in Trudie’s footsteps, working in the computer labs of Verizon, Oracle, and currently with Apple, Inc. in Cupertino, CA.  Charles and his wife Zenaida, also greatly mourn her loss. In addition to her loving family, she is survived by her two sisters, Mildred Cooper and Tricia Cromwell, as well as her three nieces, Retta Fulmer, Haven England, and Mary Catherine Healy and their families.  Many cousins and friends will also miss her very much.

Trudie was truly an amazing woman.  Everyone who knew her would agree that she was one of those rare people who was genuinely interested in everything and everyone she met.  Her joyous spirit would light up a room, bring energy to a conversation, and could lift the spirits of anyone who spent time with her.  She was one of the most creative people that many of us knew, and her son Ed credits her with the creative spirit that he inherited.  A lifelong lover of music, she inspired a love and appreciation for music in her children and grandchildren, inspiring them to become accomplished musicians. People who knew her are quick to tell you that she had one of the sharpest minds of anyone that they knew.  This is particularly true of the people who attended school with her or worked with her.  She was truly loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

There will be a celebration of her life at 2pm Sunday, July 2nd at the Ruebel Funeral Home (6313 West Markham), followed by a drop-in visitation until 5 p.m. (same location).  Her funeral service will be performed by the Rev Dr. Kate Alexander at Christ Episcopal Church at 10 a.m., Monday, July 3rd, followed by a graveside interment (family members only) at Mount Holly Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make contributions to Mount Holly Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 250118, Little Rock, AR  72225.

Trudie Watkins Cromwell will forever be remembered for her unwavering spirit, her joyful demeanor, her brilliant intellect, and her dedication to her family and her community. May her soul find eternal peace.  We will miss you forever.  Until we meet in heaven, goodbye.  Or in the words of Julie Andrews from the movie “Sound of Music”, one of her favorite movies, “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye.”  We will truly miss you Trudie.  You were the best.