Dr. Maxine Dobbs Crawford died Monday, March 6, 2023, at Oschner Rush Medical Center in Meridian, MS.
A native of Webster County, Maxine was raised on a farm owned by her grandfather in a home he built for his family in the early 1900’s. She was a confirmed Daddy’s girl and watched his every move. She inherited his amazing work ethic and demanded excellence in every detail no matter the task.
Valedictorian of her class at Cumberland., she was awarded academic scholarships to Millsaps College and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Bio-Chemistry and taught 46 years at University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her love of science research, and her tireless energy made her a favorite professor of nursing students, medical students, and staff. She taught literally hundreds of Jackson physicians during her tenure.
She is survived by one child, her beloved daughter Emily Crawford Alvarez (Robert) of Orlando, Florida and her grandson Bobby, Sister-in-law Glenda Dobbs, nieces, nephews and 23 Webster County first cousins. Emily was kind enough to ask me to share some observations and memories of our 48 year friendship and I eagerly agreed to do so.
There was never a more unlikely pair to bond as friends. She, a medical professional, geneticist, renowned research assistant, and lover of chemistry and I who never quite mastered the chart of the elements. We managed however to never have a cross word and to rely on, and trust, one another implicitly. There is only ONE MAXINE. Tall and willowy, completely down to earth, often brutally frank, yet compassionate, tender-hearted and generous to a fault. We spoke almost daily for years and during retirement had coffee and fresh apple cake or almond Danish, a minimum of 2-3 days a week. Members of Meadowbrook Church, we recalled countless numbers of our friends we had known and shared since the early 1960’s. As her designated driver to doctor visits, chemo, radiation and Dollar General, you had to be on your toes for her acerbic wit and countless one-liners. These were shared with others in the waiting room regardless of the circumstances. She could easily have been a Faulkner character and contributor to the script in a Tennessee Williams play. Refreshing, honest, genuine and wise, she was an excellent problem solver.
For over 40 years, Maxine taught our children and grandchildren the Books of the Bible and brought life and life lessons to Old Testament characters. She knew the names, birthdays of our children and grandchildren, and followed their success through adulthood. Generous and kind, Maxine lived simply, but shared her largesse with indigent families in the waiting rooms at UMC; paid for summer camps, UPLIFT and personally provided college tuition for no fewer than eight worthy students. She was busy and quiet doing good works – just as Jesus taught.
She loved her garden. Could root any plant, and never allowed a weed on her property. She enjoyed countless friends at Birthday Club, the Camelia Society, Hutto’s Lawn and Garden and was the self-appointed Mayer of her neighborhood.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints – Psalm 116.5
A visitation will take place Sunday, April 23rd,, from 3-5pm at Meadowbrook Church of Christ in Jackson, MS. A pot-luck dinner will follow. Maxine would be delighted. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Green Thumb Ministries through the Meadowbrook Church of Christ.
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