Elizabeth Marie Crawford, 72

Elizabeth Marie Crawford, affectionately known as “Lib” to her family and friends, passed away on October 22, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Born on January 18, 1954, in Waycross, Georgia, Lib was an independent and spirited woman who approached life with enthusiasm and conviction. A cheerleader during her school years, she carried that same lively spirit throughout her life. She possessed a strong sense of right and wrong and was never one to compromise her principles simply because doing so might be easier.

Early in her career, Lib worked in advertising before choosing to devote herself to raising her children and creating a loving home for her family. She took particular pride in building her dream home on the lake, a place that became the center of countless family memories.

Lib loved opening her home to others. Whether hosting Super Bowl parties, birthday celebrations, or welcoming her children’s friends, she delighted in bringing people together. For Lib, entertaining was never about the occasion itself, but about the friendships it nurtured. She found genuine happiness in watching family and friends mingle, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company.

Lib also had a lifelong affection for the beach, especially Boca Grande and Longboat Key. She loved the ocean, the surf, warm sunshine, boating, and the wonderful food and atmosphere of the coast. Few things brought her greater pleasure than being near the water.

More than sixteen years ago, Lib was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer, beginning an extraordinary journey of courage, perseverance, and determination. Through the dedication of her physicians, advances in medical treatment, and her own remarkable resilience, and unwavering faith, she survived a disease that had threatened to take her life many years earlier. Her illness and the demands of ongoing care gradually drew Lib and Jim away from the active social life and friendships they had enjoyed for so long. Although the passing years brought changes and distance, the memories of those friendships and the many happy occasions they shared remained an important part of their lives.

Above all, Lib was devoted to her family. She shared more than 53 years of marriage with her husband, Jim Crawford, and cherished her children, grandchildren, and the many friendships she developed throughout her life.

Lib is survived by her husband, Jim Crawford; her son, Chad Crawford, and his wife Alex of Neptune Beach, Florida; her daughter, Angela Marie Crawford; her three grandchildren, Jimmy Bulger of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Emily Crawford of Brandon, Florida, and Wells Crawford of Neptune Beach, Florida; and her sister, Patricia Squires, and brother-in-law, Charles Squires, of Riegelwood, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

Lib will be remembered for her independent spirit, her unwavering convictions, her devotion to family, and the welcoming home she created for so many. Her greatest legacy lives in the family she loved, the principles she upheld, and the memories she helped create.

A graveside Christian service will be held at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, Florida, on Tuesday October 27th, 2026, at 10am with Pastor Charles Asbridge officiating. The service will include hymns performed by a solo violinist.

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Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.heathfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/elizabeth-crawford.