Obituary of Betty Crittendon

Betty ?Jeanne? Starr Crittendon Jeanne Crittendon, 87, completed her precious journey to heaven on March 23, 2012 at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jeanne was born on January 24, 1925 in Stillwell, Oklahoma to Samuel and Nell Starr, the fifth of six children. She attended Bacone College, a junior college for Cherokee Indian descendants, in Muskogee, Oklahoma where she was valedictorian of her graduating class. She then graduated with a chemistry degree from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She married the love of her life, Bob Calvin Crittendon, on February 14, 1948, meeting him after he returned to college from World War II?s Pacific front. She worked in university research labs while Bob completed his degree in petroleum engineering. His work took them to Midland, Texas where she devoted her energies to raising their five children. She was also a beloved women?s Sunday School teacher, accomplished seamstress, active community volunteer, avid reader, and passionate about her love of country. After nearly 20 years of marriage, her husband died tragically in a car accident, and she drew on her unwavering faith in God and stubborn determination to help her lead her family. She later moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma where she lived for many years and was active in her church and volunteer work. Her quiet and gentle spirit helped her to form lifelong friendships and effectively minister to many. Nothing was more important to her than her faith and her family. Jesus Christ was always the source of her strength. When she moved to Charlotte, she continued to volunteer with adult illiteracy programs and tax counseling for senior adults. She was active at First Baptist Church and the family would like to thank the Bower?s Sunday School class for showering her with cards and love long after she was able to attend in person. Besides her husband, Bob, Jeanne was also predeceased by two sisters, Jewel and Wynona, and brother Colbert. Jeanne is survived by her daughter, Charli Callaway of College Station, TX; son Jim Crittendon of Dallas, TX; son Joe Crittendon of Southlake, TX; daughter and son-in-law Jan and David Johnson of Charlotte, NC; and son and daughter-in-law Chris and Shira Crittendon of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Calvin Callaway of Los Angeles, CA; Austin Crittendon of Washington, D.C.; Sam Crittendon of Chicago, IL; Peter and Gabrielle Johnson of Charlotte, NC; and Adam Crittendon of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by a brother, Bill of Oklahoma City, OK; and a sister, Sammy Jo, also of Oklahoma City, OK. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 in the chapel of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28203. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. A private interment service will be held in Midland, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to World Vision to Sponsor Children, P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716, one of Jeanne?s passions for many years.