Mary Judith "Judy" Copeland Crawford

1942 - 2011

MARY JUDITH COPELAND CRAWFORD

Retired Educator

Judy Crawford, 69, died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011. A Williamsburg resident since 1979, she was born Sept. 17, 1942 in Roanoke Rapids, NC. The only child of the late Albert R. and Lucy F. Copeland, Judy is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 48 years, William Henry Weed Crawford III.

She is also survived by her son, William H.W. Crawford IV and wife, Elizabeth Steele Crawford and grandchildren, William H.W. Crawford V and Elizabeth Grace Crawford of Hartford, CT; her daughter, Catherine Belle McBride and husband, John Ryan McBride and grandchildren, Emma Catherine McBride and John Ryan McBride, Jr. of San Francisco, CA; and her daughter, Jessica Lee Copeland Crawford Richardson and husband, John Coleman Richardson and grandchildren, Caroline Tyler Richardson and John Carter Richardson of Midlothian, VA.

A graduate of Meredith College in 1964, Judy received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. She later was graduated summa cum laude from Monmouth College in 1976 with a Master of Science degree in Education Administration and Supervision.

Judy began her teaching career as a biology and chemistry teacher at Jackson Township High School in NJ where she taught for nine years. While there, she was selected to teach the advanced placement course, Anatomy and Physiology. Following her move to Williamsburg in 1979, she taught at Bruton High School where she continued to teach Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology and later served as Chairperson of the Science Department until her retirement twenty years later. She was frequently nominated by her students to the Governor's School of Excellence in honor of her contributions to their education. Known by students and teacher alike as a strict educator demanding high standards, Judy cared greatly for the students she taught and encouraged their best efforts at every stage of the learning process. She was also known for her witty and gregarious humor among classmates and was an inspiration to many who took her courses. While modest in acknowledging her accomplishments, Judy took delight in following the many successes of her former students and enjoyed immensely their visits with her.

An Episcopalian, Judy attended Bruton Parish Church where she taught Sunday School and served on the Altar Guild, Newcomers, and Stewardship Committees.

Ever the traveler in Europe, Judy resided in England during the late sixties. The wife of an international airline pilot, Judy accompanied her husband, Bill, on countless trips there during his career.

Judy loved animals, nature, and science, the result of time spent with her "Aunt Hay" during her formative years. For most of her adult life, her summers were spent on the Outer Banks with her family at "Kilduck Station" her vacation home. Her other love was sailing the Chesapeake aboard her sloop, Rivah Music.

Yet her greatest affection was reserved for her children and grandchildren and her husband, Bill, whom she had adored since the sixth grade. Nothing was more important to her nor gave her more pleasure than nurturing her family and she did so unceasingly until her death. She is greatly missed by all of us.

The family will receive friends and those wishing to pay their last respects at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg between 6-8 PM Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011. The funeral will be held at 2 PM Thursday, Oct. 27 at Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg with interment immediately following the service at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Williamsburg. A reception will be held following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers please give to one of the following charities: Bruton Parish Church Outreach Fund, P.O. Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187 (757)229-2891 or Hospice of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23188 (757)253-1220 or FISH, 312 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757)220-9379. Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.