Jean McVicker Crawford Strickland

Jean McVicker Crawford Strickland, 90, of Reno, Nevada, died December 5, 2007, at Reno, Nevada. She had been in declining health since experiencing congestive heart failure in late May and suffering a mini-stroke September 20. She was born March 31, 1918, at Oxnard, California, to Walter and Pearl (McVicker) Crawford. Jean lived in Lexington from 1953 to 1955, teaching in Lexington elementary schools. She did move to Kearney in late October, 1955, to continue taking classes at Kearney State Teacher’s College. She moved to Nevada in the fall of 1956, to teach the 1956-1957, school year, but then moved back to Lexington in the summer of 1957, so her husband, Mr. Jack P. Strickland, could take more education courses at Kearney. The couple then moved to Reno in 1958, but returned to Lexington in the summer of 1963, and summer of 1969. Mom returned in the late winter and early spring of 1971, to help Mabel McVicker Warner, who passed away in Lexington in 1973. Jean was active in the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Lexington and kept ties with the organization past the year 2000. Jean was an accomplished pianist and soloist, she began piano lessons at home but continued her studies in voice, piano and the harp. She sang during the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco, and for many years was a church soloist. She spent many years in education and will be remembered fondly for her dedication to her family, her students and all her musical endeavors. The McVicker and Crawford families had many ties in Lexington, Cozad and Gothenburg areas going back to the late 19th century. It was Jean’s wishes her body be returned inurnment at Lexington and be buried next to her parents in Greenwood Cemetery. Survivors include one son: Paul Strickland in North-Central, British, Colombia One daughter: Ann (Keith) Turner of Kihei, Hawaii One grandson: Jonathan Turner of Reno, Nevada She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor John Shields officiating. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.