Jean Little Crawford

Jean Little Crawford, age 101, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, after a brief illness. Born in Nashville, TN, to Myrt Aycock Little and W.B. Little, Jean embodied warmth, kindness, and an unwavering spirit throughout her life.

On August 14, 1942, she married the love of her life, Thomas I. Crawford Jr., at Waverly Place Methodist Church in Nashville. Together, they built a family that would become her greatest joy and priority. Jean's commitment to her family was evident in everything she did, as she took on a variety of jobs throughout her life but always placed her role as a homemaker first.

A proud graduate of Central High School in Nashville, Jean remained actively involved in her community. She served as the Central High-Alumni Class Chairman for the Class of 1940 and was a devoted member of Waverly Place Methodist Church and Forrest Hills UMC, where she held numerous roles, including organizing church bazaars and leading the Junior MYF. Her commitment extended to her children’s activities as well, as she served as a Cub Scout leader, Brownie leader, and Girl Scout leader, and was a beloved schoolroom mother.

Jean enjoyed fishing, reading, and sewing, but her greatest pleasure came from supporting her husband and children in their various endeavors. She was a mother to all who walked through her door, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Betty Jean Crawford of Franklin, TN; her son, Thomas Charles Crawford Sr. of North Palm Beach, FL; grandson Chuck Crawford (Michele) of Chattanooga, TN; nephew Judge William B. Hafer (Starr) of Evansville, IN; step great-grandchildren Leslie Riseman and Lindsay (Thomas) Barber of Chattanooga; and extended family member Sandra Yokley Tant. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Thomas I. Crawford Jr. and her sisters Fay Goll and Billie Hafer.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Denise James RN, Brandon George PT, and LaTonia (Tender Hands) Williams for their compassionate care.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Brentwood Roesch Patton Funeral Home, 9010 Church Street East, Brentwood, TN 37027. A second gathering will occur on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by a celebration of Jean's life at 1:30 PM, officiated by Donald Steven Tant.

Pallbearers include Peyton Hoge, Ted de Martelly, Gray Egbert, Scott McKissack, Craig McKissack, and Thomas C. Crawford Sr. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Samuel Bastain, Kathy de Martelly, Jean & John Egbert, and Paul Egbert, along with cousins in South Carolina.

Jean Little Crawford will be dearly missed by all who knew her, her legacy of love and compassion forever etched in the hearts of those she touched.