Jo Crawford, more affectionately known as "Dee" by family and friends, passed away on January 31,2025 in Alhambra, California.

Jo was born on March 7, 1930, in Kennett, Missouri. She grew up in a large family with 5 brothers and 4 sisters., an entertaining bunch, to say the least. In high school Jo was a Majorette and also played the clarinet. Shortly after, in 1947 she got married to Leon Crawford. They raised their 2 children Carol and Steve in Kennett before relocating to Ferriday, Louisiana. While there they managed a bowling alley, where Jo was also an instructor. After several years they ended up moving to Memphis, Tennessee where Jo began her career as a bookkeeper which lasted over 35 years. During this time, she would go on to be the President of Toastmasters of Memphis and the President of The Woman's Credit Association in Memphis. Later in life, at 66 years old, Jo made the move to Southern, California. Once there she decided to start several new endeavors such as dancing, acting and writing. Inspired by the success of winning 1st place in a writing contest, which won her a new computer, which she taught herself to use, she began writing more frequently including the monthly newsletter for her local senior community in Burbank, California. She also wrote a book of short stories called Jo's Follies and occasionally she would do live readings re-telling humorous adventures about her family and friends. "I find it fun and relaxing to reminisce and then write about the events and antics of my nine brothers and sisters when we were kids growing up in small Missouri town, during the Depression. And the continuation of the fun things we do in our Golden Years." Jo was also a member of the Olive Plaza Players, an acting group doing many live performances.  Around this time Jo got re acquainted with her love of playing games. She would never turn down the opportunity to play a game of cribbage, SkipBo or even solitaire. She also got pretty good at Texas Hold' Em poker too, where she won several family holiday tournaments. Ask anyone who knew her and they will say she was always enjoyable to be around because she was so naturally entertaining and fun. Jo was definitely one of a kind and will be greatly missed and loved by all that knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon B. Crawford, her son Stephen L. Crawford, Sr. and parents: Russell and Ethel Barham.

Jo is survived by: Sister: Barbara (Stan) Cook, Daughter: Carol (Ron) Pekar, Grandson: Jonathan Pekar,  Granddaughter: Kathryn Jo (Frank) Scallions, Grandson: Stephen (Jennifer)  Crawford, Grandson: Jefferson (Angela Richter) Pekar, Grandson: Joseph Scott Crawford, Great Granddaughter: Brandy (Jesse) Lockhart, Great Grandson: Kevin Crawford, Great Granddaughter  Jordyn (Dusty) Bailey, Great Granddaughter Halle (Halton) Wynn, Great Grandson: Luke Pekar, Great-Great grandaughter: Laila  Lockhart, Great Great Granddaughter: Lyza Lockhart

We will forever love and miss our DEE

Bible Verse - John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in the McDaniel Chapel in Kennett, Missouri.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett will be in charge of the arrangements.

online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com