Jean N. Crawford

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee Acker, Sr. and Lottie Thrasher Acker; husbands, Aubrey Earl Noland and David Milton Crawford; sisters, Beatrice Ward, Evelyn McDaniel, Fronia Goodman, Sarah Turnipseed Hemphill, Laurice Rotenberry and Doris Sparks Bailey; brother, RL Acker, Jr.

Survivors include daughters, Darlene Crocker (Dennis), Sherrie Pearson (Van) and Regina Noland; brothers, David Dewayne Acker (Virginia); grandchildren, Britni Hood (Adam), Jordan McCulley (Joe), Justin Hollingsworth (Lindsay), Christyn Bridgford (Scott), Joanna Fitzgerald (Matt), Candace Shotts (Jeff); great grandchildren, Ashlyn Hood, Drue Hood, Edie Hood, Ellie McCulley, Harper McCulley, Levi McCulley, Ryder McCulley, Brenton Hollingsworth, Lane Hollingsworth, Katelyn Hollingsworth, Cathryn Bridgford, Grace Fitzgerald, Eli Fitzgerald, Whitney Fitzgerald, Gabrielle Pearson, Bella Shotts; and a host of other family and friends.

Jean grew up in Pickens County and graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1955.

Alongside her husband, Aubrey Noland, Jean worked to build a very successful agency with Nationwide Insurance for 36 years.

Her lifelong advocacy and passion was for her special daughter, Gina, and being a voice for individuals with disabilities. Jean served on the board of Tuscaloosa Association of Retarded Citizens (TARC later known as The ARC) in many capacities. She held many positions over the years including president of TARC for many years. In the early 90’s, her team lead by Gene Stallings, created and established TARC of Tuscaloosa Charity Golf Tournament which continued for 20 years and provided an endowment for The ARC of Tuscaloosa. Jean went before congress with a bill to allow children with disabilities to go to public schools that legislation enacted into law. She also assisted with an employment program for adults with disabilities through Palk Enterprises. Her family was named 1993-1994 TARC family of the year.

After retirement, Jean enjoyed traveling all across the country with David and Gina in their RV. When at home, she was passionate about collecting antiques, sewing, her rat terrier “Bear” and painting. She was a faithful member of Skyland Blvd Baptist Church and later, Circlewood Baptist Church.

Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 6, 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 Tuesday from 10:00 AM until service time.

Dr, Herb Thomas will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be Adam Hood, Joe McCulley, Justin Hollingsworth, Scott Bridgford, Matt Fitzgerald, and Calvin Goodman. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be special friend/caregiver, Tammy Kizziah; Tuscaloosa County High School class of 1955, employees of Personal Helper In-Home Care, Dr. Scott Fulgham, Employees of Heritage Health Care and Rehab, Employees of The Crossings at North River. The family would 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 Jean Crawford to be used for the Special Needs classes Circlewood graciously provides.

Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial provider, is honored to serve the Crawford family during their time of bereavement. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorychapelfuneralhome.com