Marilyn Crawford

Marilyn and Marvin Crawford’s tombstone reads, “High School Sweethearts Forever,” as their long-lasting, 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 on December 21, 1958, and remain in love through eternity.

Marilyn was born May 30, 1939, in Clovis, New Mexico near her Muleshoe, TX home before moving to Stamford, TX. Upon entering 8th grade, she moved to Guthrie, TX 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 which, 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, Tx, while in their early 20s 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 30-year teaching career.

Her career thrived up until retirement achieving 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 the governor of Oklahoma.

Upon retirement, Marilyn and Marvin moved to Austin, 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 4 rows away President Reagan’s historical “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," speech. Together, Marilyn and Marvin enjoyed viewing Sierra Blanca from the front porch of their mountain home in Ruidoso, NM, 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 on 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, 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 will be on March 12 at 5:00 PM. Services will be held March 13 at 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, Austin TX, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.