Sarah Frances Hodge Crawford

Sarah Frances Hodge Crawford, 86, of Dahlonega, died Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. 

Fran Crawford was born in Atlanta, the only child of Florence Greer and Robert Bennett Hodge.  After her graduation from Sacred Heart High School, she attended Georgia Junior College (now Georgia State College) in Atlanta.  She met her late husband, John Rueben Crawford, Jr., while working as a receptionist at Buckhead Heating Company.  He approached her, asking about the church she attended, and asked if he might go with her sometime.  She held several other jobs through the years but after they moved to Plains, Georgia, in the late 1960’s, she continued her education at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus and became a caseworker with the Sumter County DFACS, ending her career there in Child Protective Services.  While living in Plains, she attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Americus.  In 1993, Johnny and Fran moved to Dahlonega, where they became members of St. Luke’s Catholic Church.

In addition to the deaths of her husband and parents, Fran also lost a son, Robert Michael Crawford, and a grandson, Jacob Michael Bern.  She is survived by her sons and their families:  John Rueben Crawford, III and his wife, Sheila Ricketts of Dahlonega; Mark Hodge Crawford, his wife, Teresa White Crawford and their children, Ben Hodge Crawford and Sarah-Anne Hodge Crawford of Americus; and her son Michael’s daughter, Leah Michelle Crawford of Cleveland.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who were dear to her heart.  One friend in particular, Ruth Burnam of Rhine, GA became known as Sister Ruth to some of the family after 40 years of being a part of Fran’s life.

Fran Crawford was never one to sit quietly.  She wanted to see the world and her husband indulged her, starting with a honeymoon in Cuba.  Before his death in 1998, they traveled throughout the world together.  As members of the Friendship Force, they were hosts for a family from Japan who reciprocated by taking them into their home during their visit to Japan.  After Johnny’s death, she continued to travel with anyone daring enough to join her.  In addition to Cuba and Japan, the many places she visited include France, Switzerland, England, Ireland, Egypt, Alaska, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, China and Australia.  One of her last trips was a “road trip” to Montana with her son, Michael.

At the time of her death, Fran was a member of the St. Luke’s Women Group, Scriptural Prayer Group and was associated with the SVdP Society.  She had been an advocate for CASA and had been a member of various groups and clubs throughout her life, including Dahlonega Woman’s Club and Master Gardeners. 

At the end, Fran stated that she had done all that she ever wanted to do except seeing the Aurora Borealis and the Monarch butterfly migration.  She lived a remarkable and happy life and she passed away peacefully, surrounded by love.

Fran had requested that her remains be cremated.  A memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Dahlonega, GA.

Arrangements made by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home.   Online condolences may be expressed at www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com