Dorris Nell Crawford

Published 2:58 pm Monday, June 3, 2024

Dorris Nell Crawford passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, at her home in Water Valley, Mississippi. She was 91. She was born in  Fannin County, Georgia, on October  15, 1932, the daughter of Iona and Audie Hemphill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brownlow Jackson Crawford. She is survived by her children, Len (Carol) of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Dr. Lorri C. Williamson, (Mike) of Water Valley, Mississippi,  Darrell (David McConnell) of New York, New York and her grandchildren, Joeli Link (Benji), Cory Williamson (McKenzie), Emily Crawford(Jason Sisco), Caroline Siegrist (Taylor), Abby Crawford (Jack Slagle); her great-grandchildren, Jackson and Sophie Siegrist; Wyatt, Weston, Wynn, and Whit Williamson, and Asher and Quinn Link; and her sister Joann Schonborn.

Dorris graduated from high school in Epworth, Georgia, as valedictorian of her class. She went to business school in Atlanta before beginning her career in accounting, first for the   Tennessee Copper Company and then for Carothers Construction after the family moved to Mississippi. She was instrumental in the success of Crawford and Associates, working as accountant and administrator there for many years.

While she was more comfortable in a gown and robe, she could transform herself for a special occasion and look like a million dollars.   She preached good manners to her grands and had a special affection for dogs and babies.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley.  She lived out her faith in her concern for the needs of others and was actively involved with Save a Life and with the local food pantry.

Dorris loved family gatherings, especially at Christmas, and took great joy in putting up extensive decorations every year to the excitement of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She rang the bell and collected donations for the Salvation Army during the Christmas holidays.  She loved Christmas as it was the birth of her Lord and Savior and she made sure her family knew the reason for this special time.

She and her husband Brownie with Sean Carothers built and donated the first building for the Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic. She and Brownie donated the land for the Crawford Sports Complex in Water Valley.  They helped to establish Reedy Acres, a satellite of the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Village where countless children have lived over the years. They were honored with the naming of one of the cottages, Crawford Cottage, where children from Mississippi still reside. She started the Brownie Crawford Scholarship at Northwest Junior College benefiting students from Yalobusha county.

Together, Brownie and Dorris were the Grand Marshals of the Water Valley Christmas parade.  They received the Braswell Hatcher award from the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce for their service to the community.  To honor Brownie after his death, Dorris worked with the Water Valley Garden Club to commission a classic landmark clock in his memory that stands on Main Street.  Dorris received the Luella Fair Community Service Award from the Water Valley Garden Club for her support.

Dorris had a positive impact on the community around her in many ways, mostly done anonymously.  Her strength, intelligence and independence were an inspiration.  She was a constant source of advice and practical wisdom for her children and grandchildren, whether they wanted it or not.  She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dorris may be made to the Water Valley Junior Auxiliary’s Bundles of Love, which provides food for local school children on weekends.  Donations may be sent to WVJA at PO Box 92, Water Valley, MS 38965.

At her request, the family held a private graveside service.  They want to express their thanks for your love and prayers during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Seven Oaks Funeral Home was honored to have served the Crawford Family.