When Jean Davidson Crawford arrived at the Gates on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, she was carrying chocolate pies, caramel and chocolate cakes, fudge and banana pudding. She held a quilt to lay at the feet of the Lord. Jean was smiling that signature smile as she entered Heaven and was greeted by an enthusiastic group of family and friends. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with the Rev. John Semmes officiating. Burial will follow in Shipp Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service in West Hall at Waller Funeral Home.

The sweetest of hearts was born on June 29, 1927, in Oxford, to Garna and Roy Davidson. Jean graduated from University High School in 1945. She worked many local jobs before finding a home at the University of Mississippi’s Lyceum Building, working for several Deans of Liberal Arts and eventually the Vice-Chancellor. She counseled and comforted hundreds of students over many years.  Ole Miss was more than a job to her, it was family.

Jean married Kirby Crawford in 1950, after he pursued her for “a good while.” The two were married for 66 years and welcomed a daughter in 1957. These two devoted parents never missed one sporting event, one school celebration, one ceremony during her days in high school and college. As devoted as they were to their daughter, they took exceptional pride in their four grandchildren, and Jean made sure each one had many of her beautiful hand-made quilts to keep them warm.

Jean Crawford was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, serving the Lord faithfully through attendance, service, and treasure. She was a member of the Mary and Martha Sunday School Class and the Marjorie Lewis Circle. Additionally, she was a co-founder of both the Piecemakers Quilting Guild and Oxford Quilters.  She quilted the celebratory quilt for the University of Mississippi’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1998.  It hangs today in the Lyceum Building.

Jean is survived by her dear husband, Kirby; her daughter, Scottye Lee and her husband, Bob; three granddaughters, Rebecca, Kirby, and Barry Lee, and one grandson, Crawford Lee. She also leaves behind one brother, Whit Davidson and his wife, Clara, and many, many loving nieces and nephews.  Holly Hopkins Peeples and Gerry Guess Gebhard, her daughters by other mothers, will have many fine memories. Gretchen, her devoted but annoying dachshund, will grieve her loss. Countless friends in Oxford and at Ole Miss will miss this sweet lady.

Her family would like to thank the many caregivers who have guided Jean through her final years before winning her battle with cancer.  These include John Semmes, Dr. Shaun Helmhout, Dr. Guangzhi Qu, Stephanie Greer and the fine folks of Kindred Hospice, and Louise Vassar, her loving housekeeper and friend.  We also want to thank the friends who helped us through the last days by bringing flowers to cheer us and food to sustain us. A special appreciation to Sandy Davidson Lewis, who spent many weeks with Jean over the past several years, reminding her of the love of family, and to Steve and Kathy Davidson, June and Duke Goza, Penny and Roger Moore, and Wanda and Jud Hurd, whose visits were always a celebration.

Donations may be made in Jean’s memory to First Presbyterian Church, 924 Van Buren Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

Her parents and three brothers, Howard, Ed, and Gordon Davidson were there to greet her when she entered Paradise. Her infant son was there to finally meet his mother.  Devoted mother, adoring grandmother and aunt, faithful friend, Jean Davidson Crawford is home.