In Memoriam of Catherine Barnett Crawford

Our hearts go out to the Hoover and Crawford families in the passing of Dean Hoover's beloved mother, Dr. Catherine Barnett Crawford of Lubbock, Texas. Catherine was well loved and cherished by family, coworkers, and friends alike. Catherine led her life with dignity and grace, setting a wonderful example for her family and friends.

Catherine was a Distinguished Alumna of the College of Human Sciences, where she completed her bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees. Former College of Human Sciences Dean, Elizabeth "Bess" Haley, Ph.D., remembers Catherine as someone who always saw the best in others.

Dr. Haley thinks back to Catherine's time as a professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences program following her retirement from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

"When she retired, we asked her to become a full-time faculty member. Students raved about her and felt that they learned a lot about how to live their lives as well as how to be an effective professional."

During Catherine's role on the Dean's Advisory Council, Dr. Haley describes Catherine as someone who continuously stepped to the front of the line as one to count on.

"The life she lived was exemplary in so many ways that it is impossible to describe this amazing, energetic, charming, beautiful woman. In summary, I must express how grateful I am that she was a part of my life."

Catherine was said to leave her mark wherever she went, and her colleagues at the A&M AgriLife Extension Service say they will miss her cheerful and dedicated spirit.

Catherine's Agrilife coworker and longtime friend, Martha Couch says that Catherine was a wise, kind woman who was an ethical example of true leadership. Martha remembers how Catherine influenced her to pursue a doctoral degree from the College of Human Sciences.

"When I had finally completed my Master's Degree in 1976, I told Catherine, 'this is it! I am not going to college any more.' She helped me see all of the possibilities and insisted that I begin the College of Human Sciences Doctoral Program. Her great influence still exists today in the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. We all miss her and will for the remainder of our lives."

Martha thinks back on a 4-H camping trip that she attended with Catherine as a youth experience in Cloud Croft, New Mexico.

"We laughed because she would pack several large suitcases for the "camping" experience. Catherine loved this mountain camp and cherished being with youth, volunteers, and County Extension Agents for this memorable time."

Another former coworker, Dr. Bob Robinson says that Catherine always was there for him as a mentor and friend.

"She was so professional and ethical. She maintained a very strong work ethic with selfless service and a compassionate heart."

Dr. Robinson remembers the trips their staff would make every year to the County Extension Agent state meetings.

"When she was approaching retirement, it seemed as if every time we went to College Station for a state meeting, we needed to carry an extra suitcase to bring home all of her awards and accolades. She was the greatest leader I have ever known in higher education."

Catherine touched the lives of all those around her during her wonderful years of life with us. Her family and close friends celebrated Catherine's life on December 19, 2016, at St. John's United Methodist Church. The family wishes memorials be made in Catherine's honor to the Catherine and Delaine Crawford Scholarship in the Texas Tech College of Human Sciences.