Jennifer Marie Spafford was born on January 7, 1984, in Wichita Falls, Texas to her parents, Donald A. Caldwell, Sr and Jean M. Vaughn. Her independence, caring heart, and strength of mind were evident at a young age. Although Jennifer’s childhood was not one that would be described as easy, she had a resilience in her that was undeniable. In her youth, she formed a strong bond with her grandmother, Margaret Vaughn, that gave her an additional sense of love and support. It was the influence of her parents, her childhood, and this bond with her grandmother that would later serve as the foundation she would build her family on.
Jennifer graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 2002. At the young age of 19, God brought Derrick J. Spafford into her life. On May 10, 2003, they began dating and this would be the start of their extraordinary life together. They were friends first and, in time, he became her first and only true love. It is in this man that she found her forever home. On May 23, 2009, with their two children, Brianna and Dominic, at their side, they vowed before family and friends to love and cherish each other through all that lay ahead. Throughout their journey together, Derrick and Jennifer created a life that was an inspiration to all that knew them.
In 2003, Jennifer attended Vernon College where she began the long ascent of her career in nursing. She first became a certified nursing assistant followed by a licensed vocational nurse with an associate degree in 2009. She continued to dedicate herself to her growing family and worked full time while pursuing her RN and ultimately her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in Arlington in 2012. Over the next year Jennifer sent out over 100 applications to different hospitals in search of a nursing position. She and Derrick were unsure of the direction life would take them, however, with their faith in the Lord and in each other, they packed up their young family ready for the call. One week later, in 2013, Jennifer accepted a position at McLane Children’s Medical Center, and they moved to Killeen, Texas.
Jennifer worked at McLane Children’s Hospital as a bedside nurse for eight years. During this time, she gained the respect and admiration of her colleagues and co-workers. She embodied strength and empathy for her patients. She was a compassionate healer, and her sense of humor was a bright spot in everyone’s day. Although Jennifer’s dream was to stay home with her children, God knew that her gift needed to be shared. This gift was her love for all children, her ability to empower them irrespective of their circumstance, and the belief that all humans should be treated with dignity and respect. In 2020, Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech Health Science Center and became a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She found her final career home as a nurse practitioner in the pediatric urology clinic at McLane Children’s Medical Center.
In 2023 shortly after welcoming her seventh beautiful blessing which would complete their family, Jennifer began her year-long battle with cancer. During this time, she showed up every day for herself and her family with a grateful heart and a hope that her faith would deliver her through this journey. In her final days, Jennifer maintained the same spirit of grace and humility that she had in life.
Jennifer passed away on January 12, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family. She spent her last few days with those she loved most reminding us of the beauty of a wife’s devotion and a mother’s love. She was 40 years young.
Jennifer is survived by her husband, Derrick, and their seven beautiful children: Brianna (17y), Dominic (14y), Audrey (12y), Camrein (11y), Emersyn (6y), Falynn (4y), and Griffin (1y) all of Killeen, TX; father, Donald Caldwell, Sr. of Sierra Vista, AZ; mother, Jean Vaughn of Kerrville, TX; brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Caldwell, Jr. of Pipe Creek, TX; half-brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown of Idaho Falls, ID; half-brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Brown of Riverside, CA; and half-sister, Shawna Vaughn of Kerrville, TX. Jennifer is preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilbur and Margaret Vaughn and Donald and Vivian Caldwell.
Some people only walk this earth for a short time but leave a lasting impression. Jennifer left us all in awe of the strength of a woman, the power of faith, and the endless love in a mother’s heart. Jennifer, you will be missed. You will forever be in our hearts. And, in your words, forever and always.
Funeral services will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Killeen, TX on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM. Flowers can be delivered to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 76542. Donations can be made to the family as well.
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