Carolyn Crawford
Carolyn Emma Jane (Nash) Crawford, 91, of Springfield IL, passed away at 2:15 am on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Concordia Village Care Center due to acute leukemia.
Carolyn was born in Shawnee, OK, the daughter of Vernon C. Nash and Beatrice (Dawson) Nash. She married Clyce DeWayne Crawford on December 18, 1954, in Chickasha, OK at the Epworth Methodist Church.
Carolyn graduated from Chickasha High School and Oklahoma State University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She received a master’s degree from Sangamon State University in Springfield, IL.
Carolyn was an elementary teacher for thirty-one years, teaching in Red Oak, TX, Midwest City, OK, Park Forest, IL, and in Springfield, IL at Jane Addams and Enos Schools. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and IBT Class in Springfield since the early 70’s. She and her husband, DeWayne, were charter members of the Prairie Land Dance Club and taught for them for several years. She was also a member of the LR chapter of PEO, as well as several bridge clubs.
After retirement, Carolyn and DeWayne spent 24 winters at Paradise Park in Harlingen, TX. While there, they taught country dancing for 23 years. Carolyn served as secretary for the Paradise Park Advisory Board for several years. In 2019 they moved into independent living at Concordia Village.
When they retired, they traveled on many trips across the United States and Canada in a motor home. Eventually they completed trips to all 50 states. They spent three weeks in Russia on a mission trip, plus numerous cruises.
She is survived by her three sons, Dale(Pat) Crawford of Warrensburg IL, Bret Crawford of Loami IL, and Scot(Rhonda) Crawford of Chatham IL; eight grandchildren, Stacey(Bryan) Hanafin of LeRoy IL, Corey(Stacey) Crawford of Normal IL, Kelley(Sammie) Crawford of Forsyth IL, Zac(Shareen) Crawford of Chatham IL, Andria(Jim) Crawford-Whitehead of Springfield IL, Jacob(Alex) Crawford of South Elgin IL, Kelsey(Jesse) Wilson of Chatham IL, and Hannah(Erik) Long of Springfield IL; sixteen great-grandchildren, Blake Roundtree, Brody(Jaide) Hanafin, Brayd Hanafin, Calvin & Cloye Crawford, Maddy & Emme McNutt, Evelyn & Colson Crawford, Ryder & Nash Crawford, Malcolm & Abbott Whitehead, and Lincoln, Ledger & Luca Wilson; one great-great-grandchild, Noah Hanafin; nephews, Paul and Neil Nash of TN; and one niece, Kathy Nash Johnson of SC.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years DeWayne, in 2024, brother, Dr. Howard L. Nash in 1963 of Iowa City IA, her mother, 1990 in OK, and her father, 1999 in IL.
Besides traveling, Carolyn enjoyed being with family and friends, playing bridge, crocheting afghans, country dancing, reading, genealogy, and spending time on her computer.
Memorial Service: 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Concordia Tree of Life Chapel at Concordia Lutheran Village with Chaplain Jeff Harter officiating. Continued fellowship and Hors d’oeuvres to follow until 4:00 pm.
Private family graveside services are being held at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may direct memorial contributions to the Christ Care Fund or the Scholarship Fund at Concordia Village.
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