Jo Lea Crawford

On November 30, Jo Lea McDown Crawford, of Dayton, Maryland, went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was 80 years old. Jo Lea was born at home near Custer, Oklahoma on February 4, 1939 to Paul and Myrna (Schones) McDown. Raised on the family farm, she attended Arapaho High School where she played basketball and graduated valedictorian.

She went on to receive her degree in music, with a minor in English, from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. She graduated with honors. During her time there, she was involved in many activities including the chorus, the basketball team, and was President of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She was an avid lifelong Sooner fan.

On March 24, 1963, she married the love of her life, Walter Owen Crawford, Jr. (Dub), after which they started their family. Together they devotedly raised two children, Walter (Mack) and Kelli. Dub’s service in the Air Force offered the family the experience of living in exciting locales, including Hawaii, where she had her two children, a place that remained special to Jo Lea the rest of her life. The family eventually settled in Beltsville, Maryland. Jo Lea and Dub were lovingly married for over 56 years.

Jo Lea had a passion for music and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She pursued these passions through teaching music in public schools, private lessons, and later, directing the choirs at Hillandale, Faith Baptist and South Columbia Baptist Churches. Jo Lea also held a real estate license in Maryland, where she was a successful realtor for many years.

Jo Lea was an amazing grandmother to her seven grandchildren, who called her “Mema or Meme”. She was a huge part in each of their lives, and prided herself in being the best grandmother.

Those who knew Jo Lea know she was a Godly woman who emulated the fruits of the Spirit. She possessed a remarkable ability to make others feel warm and welcome. She never hesitated to help out anyone in need. She always listened. She made you laugh. Her greatest accomplishments were bringing many people, young and old, to Jesus Christ.

Jo Lea is preceded in death by her father, Paul and her mother, Myrna. She is survived by her beloved husband Dub, son Mack, daughter Kelli and husband Keith, and grandchildren, Zackary, Joshua, Victoria and husband Robert, Shannon, Kyle, Travis, and Sarah.

Funeral services will be held at South Columbia Baptist Church, 8814 Guilford Rd., Columbia, MD 21046 on Saturday, December 7th at 11am, where guests are invited to visit with the family at 10am. Graveside services will be held at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, December 11th at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, to keep with Jo Lea’s giving spirit, a contribution may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.