Joy Jean Crawford, 96, of Clinton, Missouri, died Wednesday afternoon, October 23, 2024, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
She was born September 9, 1928, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of George Jackson Groff and Leta Mae (Heare) Groff. On August 4, 1950, she married Billie Gene Crawford in Orrick, Mo. He preceded her in death on August 21, 1999.
Joy grew up in the Bethlehem community in Henry County. Billie and Joy had three children, Mitchell, Michael, and Melinda. After the children were older, Joy managed Crews Fashions on the Clinton Square. Her eye for fashion and design was only one aspect of her creativity. She enjoyed art, painting, learned to play the piano as an adult, and enjoyed writing, especially poetry. Joy’s name was a true refection of her outlook on life. She had a positive demeanor and took joy in “counting her blessings,” which was often the encouragement she offered others. She was a loving caregiver to her husband in his illness and she never complained about her own health. She was a member of the Meadow lake Country Club and a member of the Clinton Christian Church and was baptized in 1961. She gave her family the treasure of her life memories, art, and family history in a book she wrote, “Growing Up On Sparrow Creek.”
She was a tough little thing. Loved to dance. Never saw her turn anyone down. She was dancing in her chair before hitting the dance floor. She never seemed to have a bad day. When calling to see if she was having a good day, she always said yes. She ended every conversation with ‘count your blessings’. She loved a good cup of coffee, pizza, chocolate, and crossword puzzles in her older days. She said they keep her mind sharp. She knew how to dress up and look like a million dollars. She had a great sense of humor. One Halloween she dressed up like Dolly Parton. Some of the party goers never forgot that. She loved animals, especially her sweet dog, Priscilla.
She was crazy about her grandson, Jarod. She loved watching him go from childhood to adulthood. Many trips to Wichita for his sports and other activities. She loved being involved. She and Billie didn’t want to miss out. She loved and adored Jarod’s children as well. Then the great- great grand babies. She loved them all. She was always encouraging. Positive Joy. We all need to be more like her. Have a ‘joyatude’!
Survivors include three children, Mitchell Crawford, Overland Park, Ks., Michael Crawford, Clinton, Mo., and Melinda Crawford, Overland Park, Ks.; a grandson, Jarod Gillenwater (Rosie), Wichita, Ks.; 4 great-grandchildren, Mariah, Halle, Joshua, and Jackson; several great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Glenn Groff (Sharon), Punta Gorda, Florida; a sister-in-law, Cora Lee Thompson (Gary), Scottsdale, Arizona; 2 nieces, Nona Rae Hernandez (Rick) and Jolene Page Walker (Mike); 2 nephews, Bill Groff and Bob Groff; and several great-nephews and great-nieces. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Billy Jack Groff, Kenneth Groff, and an infant brother, George Luther Groff; a sister, Betty Brazeale; and a brother-in-law, Dale Page.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton, with Pastor Tim Wessley officiating. Burial will be in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. The family will receive friends before the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to Children’s Mercy in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
