Kathryn Grace Crawford

   Kathryn Grace (DeVinney) Crawford, aged 88, died on Monday, April 17 assured of ‘life after life.’  A strong woman, loving wife, devoted mother, committed Christian, bright and energetic volunteer, Kathy passed away quietly at Clark Retirement Community with family, friends, and loving caregivers at her side.  Kathy died just two days after her husband of 66 years, Rev. Dr. David L. Crawford.  Surviving are three sons, David (Jennifer), Mark (Sheila) and Jonathan (Peggy).

   Kathy was born March 10, 1929 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Methodist pastor Rev. James Marion and Zora DeVinney.  She graduated as valedictorian at Boyne City High School and completed her bachelor’s degree in music from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

   In 1950 she married the love of her life, David Lewis Crawford.  Together, they served in Christian ministry for more than 40 years:  David as a pastor and district superintendent in the United Methodist Church; Kathy led with her musical and missional talents and was always the ‘better half’ whose life and example led others to Christ.  She was a deeply devoted and caring mother who earned many gray hairs chasing three active and energetic sons.  Her life was a consistent witness.

   Kathy had a lifetime love for missions and served in many volunteer roles including West Michigan conference secretary of global ministries.  She served twice as a delegate to United Methodist Jurisdictional Conferences and twice as a delegate to United Methodist World Conferences in Kenya and Singapore.  Mission trips to Africa, Haiti, and in retirement to locations across the United States were an important part of her ministry and life of service.

   Kathy and Dave loved travel and led tour groups to dozens of countries around the globe.  She had a fascinating collection of bells from their travels.  Other hobbies were sewing, knitting, needlework, and winning at virtually any game.

   Kathy doted over her grandchildren:  Tara (Jared) Flooding, Megan (Nicole Furlan), Amy, Kelsie (Hunter) Lewis, Ciera, Kristen and Michael.  

      A joint memorial celebration for Kathryn Crawford and her husband Rev. Dr. David L. Crawford is scheduled on May 6 at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids. The memorial service will be followed by a time of fellowship with the family. 

   In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to the Dr. David and Kathryn Crawford Scholarship Fund at Adrian College, the United Methodist Committee on Overseas Relief, or the Clark Retirement Community Benevolent Care Fund.  

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