Posted on 06/01/2018
Peggy Crawley (1922 - 2018)
One of this world's true angels, Peggy Crawley, was born into eternal life on May 28, 2018 at her home in Lamesa, Texas surrounded by loving family. Her Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 2, 2018 in the First Presbyterian Church in Lamesa at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Sam Lanham officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Peggy Marie Eiland Crawley was born on March 27, 1922 in Munday, Texas, the third child of Clarence Allen and Jessie Spikes Eiland. Her strong belief in Christianity was influenced by her mother, a founding member of the First Presbyterian Church in Munday, and her grandfather, a Baptist pastor and circuit rider. The Eiland family moved to Lamesa in 1938 with her brother and two sisters - Bill, Helen, and Sarah. Peggy graduated from Lamesa High School in 1939 and Texas Tech University in 1943 receiving a degree in Education. At Tech, she was a member of the Las Chaparritas social club and played tenor saxophone in the Red Raider band. On June 12, 1944 Peggy married her high school sweetheart and classmate, William Bobert "Bob" Crawley. Upon his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy that same year, Bob's Naval career and World War II service would have the couple spending time in Jacksonville, FL; Washington D.C.; Seattle; San Francisco; and Coronado, CA. With the war ended, Peggy and Bob chose to settle back home in Lamesa. Peggy then began a life of dedication and service to her church, family, friends and community. The Crawleys were members of the First Presbyterian Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir, Women's Circle, kitchen volunteers, and cookbook committee. Peggy taught 4th grade for Lamesa ISD where she shared her knowledge and taught her special brand of "love and respect for all persons" that would become her life's trademark. Peggy was a member of the '48 Delphian Club, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Cub Scout Troop Leader, and dedicated homeroom mother. Her hobbies included her family, music and singing trios with Sarah Noret and Pat Smith, watching all types of sports on TV, playing bridge and the Eiland family card game of "Pounce", vacationing at the Eiland family cabin in Ruidoso, square dancing, helping with Golden Tornado Jubilees, and preparing the family's favorite desserts including peach ice cream and chocolate cake. Many would come to intimately know Peggy's unconditional love which she also shared with every person in life she touched. The Crawley home was known as a gathering place for her children's friends, cousins, family friends and the Slumtown Symfunny - her favorite band that included her husband and her brother-in-law, Richard Crawley. A true servant, she was admired by all and has been emulated by many. Peggy always had a very special connection with children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Her influence on their lives was immeasurable. She loved hosting "Cousins' Camp" at her home in Lamesa every summer, as she knew this experience would help them form life long bonds with each other. The grandchildren especially enjoyed jumping on her trampoline, afternoon swimming in Ann and Richard's pool, and playing cards with Peggy. But the highlight of the week would always be attending Bible School together at her church. She was preceded in death by her parents; Bob, her husband of 52 years; and her siblings and their spouses - Helen and Johnny Palmore, Bill and Artie Eiland, Skeet Noret, and Richard and Ann Crawley. Peggy leaves her legacy of love to be carried on by her sister Sarah Eiland Noret of Lubbock; her 4 children, Carolynn and Bobby Cohorn of Quitaque; Marilynn Thompson of Austin; Robert and Lisa Crawley of Denison; and Jeannie and Kent Peterson of Lamesa; 9 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The J.J. Koehler Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Lamesa National Bank, P.O. Box 301, Lamesa, Tx 79331; First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1126, Lamesa, Tx 79331; Hospice of Lubbock, 3702 21st Street, Lubbock, Tx 79410; a charity of your choice; or simply pass along an encouraging word and a sweet hug to a child.
Published in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal from June 1 to June 2, 2018