Marilyn T. Crawford
Marilyn T. Crawford, 81, of Murphysboro, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
She was born on July 31, 1941, in Murphysboro, the daughter of Ray Bock and Edith (Paul) Bock.
She married Elmer Crawford on Sept. 1, 1959, in Wentworth, Mo. He preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 2007.
Mrs. Crawford had been an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 Auxiliary in Anna since 1993. In 2002 she converted to Life Member under the sponsorship of her husband, Elmer, and served 20 years and three months. She was the 15th District president in 2010-2011. The VFW and Auxiliary were her second family.
Her love and passion was being an advocate for the veterans. In 2011, she was appointed by the VFW Auxiliary Department of Illinois to be VAVS Representative of the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. She faithfully devoted the last 20 years to take care of “Her” Veterans. She had a small venue in the hall called “Crawford Corner” for anyone to sit awhile and rest.
She was an active member of the Elks No. 1641 for 12 years. She said her greatest volunteer position was veterans chairperson. She worked tirelessly serving her boys at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. She made sure the veterans were taken care of and she will be greatly missed. Her time here was a blessing to many. Marilyn felt they were a part of her family.
She loved to spend time with family and friends, through the clubs and her RV camping home. Her sharp wit kept every encounter interesting.
Survivors include five children and their spouses, Debbie and Terry Endres, Linda and Rick Hankee, Donna and Howard Bean, Michael and Monica Crawford and Franny and Adam Rogers; grandchildren Cory (Erika), Marilyn (Alvin), Trey, John (Stephanie), Coltin, Carlie and Emma; great-grandchildren Reid, Hattie, Maddison and Jonathan; brothers-in-law Pete and Gary; sisters-in-law Jeanie, Melba and Dorothy; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Paul, Freddie and Jerry; sisters Catherine and Judy; sisters-in-law Martha, Alice and Bobbi; and brothers-in-law Bill and Gene.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, today, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Murphysboro, with Father Joel Seip officiating.
A VFW Women’s Auxiliary service was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro.
Interment will be at St. Andrew’s Cemetery Thursday, today, following the funeral services.
Memorials can be made to the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna for the activity fund.
Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.