Crawford, Wanda June, wife of Thomas H. Crawford, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2014. She was born in Louisville on May 22, 1933, the only child of Chester and Lena Allison. After graduating from DuPont Manual High School in 1951, Wanda worked for the Ohio Casualty Insurance Co. She and Tom were married in 1954, and Wanda resigned from her job in 1956 to give birth to her daughter, Sherri Lynn Gary. Her son, Thomas Barry Crawford, was born in 1960. Wanda was a dedicated wife and mother. Tom and their children knew their home was always open to friends, the larger family, Tom’s colleagues from the University, fellow church members and others for meals or just desserts. Wanda always had some delicious food ready for whomever we brought home. In 1964 Wanda and her family joined the Shively Christian Church, where she immediately became an active member, being very involved in the preparation of dinners and actively engaged as a youth sponsor at the church. She loved the fellowship with the other ladies and the young people. She made many friends.
While most of Wanda’s life was spent in Louisville, she and her family lived a summer in Ridgewood, NJ, and an academic year in Pasadena, CA. Wanda and Tom also lived for two months in Aberdeen, Scotland, where they had a wonderful experience at the Northern College of Education. Wanda had a knack for quickly adjusting to new environments and she made friends wherever they visited.
Wanda’s greatest joy was serving others and being with her family. She enjoyed watching Sherri and Jerry and Tom and Mindy raise their families. Her favorite role was being Nana to her six grandchildren, Nicole Greenwell (Scott), Lindsay Axson (Mozell), Chris Gary (Tiffany), Alyson Crawford (fiancé Josh Thibodeaux), Logan Crawford, and Bryce Crawford. Most recently, she met her one great-grandson, Allen Greenwell, and her one great-grand-daughter, Aubrie Axson. Our family expresses its deepest thanks to Dr. Carmel Person and the staffs at Heartsong Memory Care and Parkway Rehabilitation for their professional and always compassionate care.
Wanda died from complications brought about by Alzheimer’s disease. She lived a full life and as was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend to many. She will be missed greatly. Her funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway, with entombment to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday after 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or Hosparus in Wanda’s name would be appreciated.