Jean Bass Crawford

Jean Bass Crawford died August 7, 2015. She was the only daughter of W. A. and Addiebelle Bass, wife of John K. Crawford, all of whom predeceased her. Among her survivors are her daughter, Jeannie Crawford-Lee, son-in-law, Don Lee, grandsons John Carlton Lee and William Donald Lee; sister-in-law Mary Crawford Young; cousins Margaret Briggs, John Barr, Ann Nohl, Helen Ruth Bourgoyne, Maxine Garner, Doris Beville; beloved nieces and nephews.

Jean was born and educated in Nashville. At West High School she edited the student newspaper, The West Wind, a sign of things to come. She attended Vanderbilt University and graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. After graduation Jean became a general assignment reporter for the Nashville Banner. In December 1950 she married Dr. John K. Crawford, a plastic surgeon. Jean left the newspaper then but returned after Jack’s untimely death in June 1952. In 1966 Vanderbilt University recruited her to become editor of the Vanderbilt Alumnus magazine (now Vanderbilt Magazine). The magazine garnered several awards for excellence during her tenure. Eventually she served as director of Alumni Publications at Vanderbilt, where she retired in 1994.

Jean lived enthusiastically and graciously. She was eternally curious, enjoyed her friends, loved theater and opera, playing bridge and traveling, tending her roses, spending time with family. She used her God-given gifts well—interviewing, writing, building a team of writers and editors. She continually nurtured her family, was a good friend to many, and showed grace and resilience in the face of loss and illness. Jean was a member of West End United Methodist Church, The Centennial Club, Belmont Garden Club, Vanderbilt Woman’s Club, The English Speaking Union, Shandygaff study group, Athena Book Club, James K. Polk Society, as well as various book clubs and bridge groups throughout her life.

Jean engaged in community life in numerous ways from Girl Scout leader to voting poll official to after-school reading partner; she volunteered with arts and service organizations over the years, including Nashville Children’s Theater in its early years, the Nashville Symphony, Nashville Opera, The Salvation Army Guild, and the YWCA.

The family expresses profound gratitude to Anita James and Jane Letson for the exceptional caregiving that sustained Jean in her last years and to Alive Hospice for sensitive care and support over a long illness.

A memorial service will be held Friday, August 14, at 2:00 PM at West End United Methodist Church. Visitation one hour prior to the service in Reed Hall.