Gina was born on April 21, 1966, and attended preschool at The University of Alabama, followed by Northington Elementary, and went on to graduate from Oak Hill.
Gina loved every University of Alabama sport fiercely (especially football, basketball, and softball) and the thought of orange and blue together made her visibly ill. She was normally kind and happy with her words but would most definitely speak her mind against the other university in our state or if you referred to her as Gina-Bug.
She found music to be therapeutic and had a deep-rooted passion for country music. At 17, Gina was asked to participate in a televised public service announcement for TARC (formerly Tuscaloosa Association of Retarted Citizens, now The ARC) alongside the lead singer of Alabama, Randy Owen. The purpose of the message was to encourage others to join the association in which Owen was the honorary state membership chairman. Gina was a member of the band’s fan club for many years and never missed the opportunity to watch them perform live.
After graduation, Gina was employed by PALK Enterprises and was then hired at RISE as one of the first adults with disabilities to assist teachers inside the classroom teaching children just like herself.
Gina retired after 22 years as a devoted employee at the Paul W. Bryant Museum where she had the reputation of being a very hard worker and taking great pride in her daily tasks. She loved her job and continued to dress for work every morning, long after her retirement.
Gina was involved in anything Tuscaloosa County had to offer individuals with disabilities including PARA softball, basketball, and the annual Therapeutic Proms hosted by PARA. Gina was a member of the 1983 Special Olympics women’s basketball team which captured a silver medal and in 1987, she also received 2 gold medals and 1 bronze medal in the International Olympic Competition for swimming. She was an avid bowler and serviced her community by line dancing at local nursing homes with her troupe.
Gina was a recognizable face on ads and posters promoting the annual Gene Stalling’s RISE Golf Tournament with a few of her dearest friends, including John Mark Stallings and Kevin Kendrick.
The Crawfords and Gina were named family of the year by TARC from 1993-1994 and honored for the same recognition from the state organization, The Arc of Alabama due to their family's dedication to advocating for individuals without a voice, for 3 decades.
She loved her church family at Circlewood Baptist and spent time every week reading scripture and preparing for Sunday’s lesson.
Gina is preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey Earl Noland and Jean Acker Noland Crawford; stepfather, who she affectionately called Dad, David Milton Crawford.
Survivors include sisters, Darlene Crocker (Dennis) and Sherrie Pearson (Van); uncle, David Acker (Virginia); nieces, Britni Hood (Adam), Jordan McCulley (Joe), Christyn Bridgeford (Scott), Joanna Fitzgerald (Matt); nephew, Justin Hollingsworth (Lindsay) and great nieces and great nephews she referred to as her babies and cousins who she adored as well.
We should all take note of the way Gina loved unconditionally, her ability to live life without limitations, and her unwavering faith in God. Have you ever met anyone else who sincerely and always asks “how are your friends doing”?
A Celebration of Life will be held Wed, September 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with burial to follow in Memory Hill Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wed 9/11/2024 at 10:00 AM with Dr. Herb Thomas of Circlewood officiating the services.
Pallbearers will be Joe McCulley, Justin Hollingsworth, Scott Bridgford, Matt Fitzgerald, Kelvin Goodman, and Calvin Goodman. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be special friends, Gene Stallings, Tammy Kizziah, and nephew, Adam Hood; employees of Personal Helper In-Home Care, Dr. Scott Fulgham, Employees of Heritage Health Care and Rehab and Employees of The Paul W. Bryant Museum. The family would also like to give special thanks to Oasis Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Circlewood Baptist Church; 2201 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 in memory of Gina to be used to continue the Special Needs Classes that she looked forward to every week.
Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial provider, is honored to serve the Crawford family during their time of bereavement.
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