Allora Frances Crawford

Allora Frances Crawford passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 1, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Frances was born at the Coalfield Hotel on the corner of Chestnut and Broadway to Buster and Grace Farmer. She was educated in the Coal City schools; graduating with the Class of 1946.

Frances married (T.J.) Jack Crawford on June 28, 1952 in the Coal City United Methodist Church. Their entire married life was spent on Chestnut Street in Coal City. From that union, five “glorious” children were born: Lynn, Lou-Ann, Tommy, Lori and Lisa.

Frances was a loving Daughter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. She was a beauty queen, an accomplished roller-skater, an avid reader, a working woman, a housewife and traveler who loved Wisconsin, Las Vegas and Florida. She enjoyed watching her kids and grandkids participate in many different genres and endeavors. She also enjoyed a good cocktail and good company.

Meals for seven led to being an accomplished cook and baker. Sunday dinners and all the holidays at Fran’s were the place to be. The most recent celebration was for her 93rd birthday with almost all her family attending.

She was a working woman before it was popular and was employed by the United States Government at APSA as a Procurement Specialist, moving from Elwood to the Rock Island Arsenal to complete her 30 year career, retiring in 1987.

Frances is survived by her children: Lynn (the late Frank) Albrecht, Lou-Ann (James) Albrecht, Tom (Sue) Crawford, Lori (Perry) Hines and Lisa (Mark) Smyk. Her grandchildren: Brad (Julie) Overton, Stacy (Scott) Klee, Nathan (April) Albrecht, Bryan (Nicolle) Albrecht, Chris (Jodie) Crawford, Nick (Megan) Crawford, Jacki (Ben) Sisk, Matt Hines and Aaron (Toni) Hines; great grandchildren: Christian and Devin Overton, Lauren, Amanda and Dana Albrecht, Kaily, Ethan and Braden Albrecht, Matthew Perino, Brock and Brady Crawford, Isadora Crawford, Olivia Sisk, Avery and Addy Hines, and Grady Hines, plus many dear friends and family. She’s also survived by her sister-in-law, Joan Van Duyne and her other lifelong “kids” the Carpenters, as well as her dear friend, Rosie Enger.

Preceding her in death was her first husband, Richard McGill, her parents, Buster and Grace Farmer, her in-laws, Matt and Maurine Crawford, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and the love of her life, Jack Crawford.

A life well lived, with a lasting legacy of love, kindness and lots of fun!

The family will receive friends for a visitation at the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 E. McArdle Road in Coal City on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Brad Shumaker will officiate, and face masks will be required for those attending the visitation and services in the church.

Anyone wishing to participate in the services virtually are welcome to join the live stream, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday morning, November 5, 2021. A link for the event will be available on Frances' memorial page.

Burial will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Frances will be laid to rest with Jack.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Frances’ memory to Coal City United Methodist Church Building Fund, Lightways Hospice or to Candlelight Home Healthcare.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Candlelight Home Healthcare, Lightways Hospice, and very special ladies: Julie, Gail, Patty, Grace and Deb for the wonderful care provided.

Family and friends may sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Frances’ memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/AlloraFrances-Crawford

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. ( 815-634-2125 )