Jennifer Crawford Obituary

Jennifer Jeffries Crawford died 9/28/2023 in Durham NC. She is survived by herhusband of 34 years, Lawrence Edward Crawford, sons Jonathan Edward Crawford andChristopher Lawrence Crawford, brother Christopher Coleman Jeffries (Beth Jeffries),nieces, and cousins. Jennifer was born May 8, 1962 to James Douglas Jeffries and Barbara ColemanJeffries. Together with her brother Christopher, she grew up at the family home in NWWashington, DC. As a child she was an avid reader and an excellent student. She participated in GirlScouts, played piano, and sang in the church choir. She attended Stone Ridge CountryDay School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD graduating with several honorsincluding a National Achievement Scholarship. She then entered the University ofVirginia as an Echols' Scholar graduating with a degree in Chemistry. Afterwards, shereceived an MD from Duke University School of Medicine and completed a residency inpediatrics at Texas Children's Hospital where she had the honor of being selected asChief Resident. While a 3rd year student at UVA, Jennifer met a young medical student; LawrenceEdward Crawford. The two formed a friendship that blossomed into an everlasting love. After welcoming two sons and making several moves, the family settled in Durham, NC. In addition to practicing medicine at Duke and teaching, she was president of DukeCampus Club, served on the boards of Durham Academy and of Student U, and wasinvolved with Boy Scout Troop 424--where she was proud to have both sons becomeEagle Scouts. As an empty nester she enjoyed knitting, visiting the beach, gardening,personal training, and most of all--tennis. In November 2021, Jennifer accepted the challenge of her cancer diagnosis withtenacity and resolve. In the face of her chemo treatments she competed in tennistournaments, traveled internationally, and continued to keep up with friends and family. She approached her health challenges with a genuine curiosity and as opportunities tolearn how to overcome them. She was supported by her beloved Larry every step of theway and by the love of her sons Jonathan and Christopher. Jennifer wanted to thank her bestie Lauren for coming to countless chemoappointments and for just being there. She had an army of friends, family, andneighbors who were there to offer nutritious meals, books to read, and themselves asopen ears, walking buddies, and tennis dates. Jennifer would like to thank her amazingmedical care team at Duke Cancer Center; especially Hope E. Uronis, MD and MargotMahon O'Neill, PA. As she writes this. . . (of course I did) and it is starting to sound like an acceptancespeech at an awards show, I realize it is. . . I won a loving family, an amazing life andconnections to amazing people. It's been a fabulous ride and although I had thought itwould be a longer journey, I realize that's not what's important. My connection to eachand everyone of you has been a gift and a privilege, and for that I am truly grateful. Untilwe meet again. . . . Jennifer