Lori Lynn Crawford's Obituary
Lori Lynn CrawfordSeptember 2, 1973 – August 24, 2017Glitter, sparkle and laughter are just a few of the words to describe Lori Crawford. A remarkable person who blessed so many with her contagious smile, quick wit and dedication to the art of accessories, particularly bracelets and a good handbag, made her live brightly all the days of her life.Lori was born in Dallas, TX and she spent her childhood and youth in Tulsa, OK with her parents, Ricki and David Crawford and her sister, Dana Crawford McCollum. Her childhood was filled with playing outside until the street lights came on, enjoying dance (particularly tap), music, taking trips to the lake, having adventures with family and friends, and always living life with laughter. She was active in Camp Fire, serving as President of the Horizon Club and received their highest honor of the WoHeLo medallion. Lori graduated from Jenks High School in 1992 and she made plans to become an Oklahoma Sooner.While at the University of Oklahoma, she discovered her love of anchors through her sorority Delta Gamma. Described as the heartbeat of sisterhood, Lori was named the “most congenial pledge,” served the chapter in multiple leadership and recruitment skit roles, all the while never putting down her favorite sharpie to make Bid Day cards and welcome signs. Lori’s Delta Gamma sisters became lifelong friends who never missed a chance to gather in celebration anchored in laughter and love. She graduated in 1997 with a degree in education, which started her path of impacting and blessing the lives of so many students.Following college, Lori moved to Texas, her home for 21 years, where she began her career in teaching middle school math. She was the beloved 6th grade math teacher in Plano for the majority of her career and LOVED her job. From team leader to cheer coach, she spent her days encouraging her fellow teachers and students, ensuring the best spirit weeks possible, and modeling the way for all who entered the halls of Murphy Middle School. Lori also furthered her education at Lamar University where she received her Masters in Education.Throughout her life, Lori had many passions – friends, musicals, travel, days at the beach, dancing, Diet Coke, and The Mont patio. Her picture perfect smile became wider when her personalized planner arrived, when the Sooners kicked-off, and when any loved one called. She lived to connect, laugh and celebrate.In 2012, she met the love of her life Andy Frakes. They shared so much love between the two of them over the past 5 years. In her words….”the best part of my day is when my love, Andy Frakes, walks into a room…..I am grateful every day for the sparkle he gives me”.Two of Lori’s favorite “little California people” were her niece Hailey and nephew Jack. She was their Aunt Lo. She spent as much time as possible with them. They loved to craft, play games, talk about silly things and laugh. She considered her brother-in-law, Chad, a brother. They always made each other laugh and cheered on the Sooners.Family and friends were everything to Lori! She was always willing to give a word of encouragement, flash her beautiful smile, give a tight hug, or make one of her handmade cards. She was forever grateful for every card, text, call, hug, giggle, and love that was sent her way.In lieu of flowers: Lori Crawford Excellence in Teaching FundThe Lori Crawford Excellence In Teaching Fund will provide annual awards to deserving Delta Gamma education majors attending the University of Oklahoma. The fund combines her passion and love for teaching, the University of Oklahoma, and Delta Gamma.Contributions may be made directly to Communities Foundations of Oklahoma, Lori Crawford Fund. Contributions can be made online or by mail.www.cfok.org/loricrawfordChecks payable to:Communities Foundations of Oklahoma / memo: Lori Crawford Excellence3932 N.W. 122nd StreetOklahoma City, OK. 73120405-488-1450Attention: Randy Macon
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