Marilyn Crawford, 1939–2023
Marilyn and Marvin Crawford’s tombstone reads, “High School Sweethearts Forever,” as their long -asting, loving relationship was so important to Marilyn. These sweethearts met as high school freshmen, immediately fell in love, and pledged their love to one another during their marriage vows December 21, 1958 and remain in love through eternity.
Marilyn was born May 30, 1939 in Clovis, New Mexico, near her Muleshoe, Texas, home before moving to Stamford, Texas. Upon entering 8th grade, she moved to Guthrie, Texas, where her parents, Clarence and Dollie B. Lobstein, became a part of the 6666 Ranch as her father managed the ranch supply house. Her mother, father, and Grandmother Claudia Wilson provided a caring, Christian home for her. Marilyn loved the 6666 Ranch and ranch life. She was involved in many high school activities and enjoyed traveling across Texas with cousins, one of whom, Ray Quiett, officiated her and Marvin’s wedding.
They were blessed with their first child, Rusty, in 1959 and later blessed by other children, Judy in 1963 and Marty in 1974. Another child, Jenni Lind, had ascended into heaven in April 1971 as a 13-day-old infant. Marilyn was a loving mother and provided a comfortable home while supporting Marvin’s education and career.
Marilyn’s faith was important to her, insisting they be baptized together at the Pioneer Park Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, while in their early twenties to foster a faith-based family.
Marvin began his educational and coaching career, where Marilyn flourished as a coach’s wife, active in the community while caring for their young family. With Marilyn’s endless support, Marvin’s career advanced, all while she commuted long hours to obtain her degree in education at Texas Tech University, launching a 30year teaching career.
Her career thrived up until retirement, bringing significant career milestones, including National Hosts Teacher of the Year (a nationally renowned reading program), serving as president of the International Reading Association, and receiving personal recognition from the mayor of Oklahoma City as well as governor of Oklahoma.
Upon retirement, Marilyn and Marvin moved to Austin, Texas, where she launched a successful home interior design firm, achieving a lifelong dream. Their new retirement home reflected her decorative flair just as all her houses have, but this one really stood out because she designed it. With her boundless energy she continued to support Marvin’s career as executive director of TASMUS for 18 years, organizing conferences and galas with panache.
Marilyn loved to travel, especially to the oceans and mountains. She traveled to Germany twice, where she was selected to witness from four rows away President Reagan’s historic “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” speech. Together, she and Marvin enjoyed viewing Sierra Blanca from the front porch of their mountain home in Ruidoso, N.M., which her family lovingly referred to as Mt. St. Marilyn.
Marilyn was extremely talented and successful in everything with her unlimited energy and strong work ethic. She enjoyed life to the fullest, ensuring a beautiful experience for those she touched during her time in Alpine, Lubbock, Gilmer, Spur, Lindale, Carthage, Grand Prairie, Oklahoma City, and Austin.
After a courageous fight with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia, Marilyn entered heaven March 9 with her family by her side, where she looked forward to spending eternity with her parents, Jenni Lind and Marvin, per their promise to one another.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 64 years, Marvin Crawford; son Rusty (Lisa) Crawford, daughter Judy (Mike) Gorman, son Marty (Alanna) Crawford; grandchildren Jenni (Nathan) Mattox, Mary (Steve) Karagias, Erin Gorman, Ashton (Kole) Holecek, Connor Gorman, Jackson Crawford, A.J. Crawford and great-grandchildren Crawford, Gwen and Harlen, sister in-law Lela Ann (Curtis) Smith, and nieces Dana (Wes) Rasco and Stacy (Kyle) Foster and their children and grandchildren.
Special thank you to Rita and Julio Limon and Shirley Barfield for the loving care they provided Marilyn and her family in her final years with us. Rita is our mother’s angel on earth.
Also thanks to Lilliana Damron of Austin Geriatrics and Comforts of Home.
Visitation was March 12 at 3:00 p.m. Services were held March 13 1:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, Austin, Texas.
