SUSAN JANE PURDOM CRAWLEY
Susan Jane Purdom Crawley, 73, of St. Simons Island, passed away peacefully in her home January 22, 2026, from complications associated with Lewy Body Dementia, after an extended period of in-home hospice care.
Susan was born June 22, 1952, in Duluth. She was the youngest daughter of the late Woodrow (Dick) Purdom and Lou Ellen Tomme Purdom. When she was eight her family moved to Baxley where she grew up. She was a member of the Appling County High School Class of 1970.
Susan graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Business Administration and
worked as a marketing professional in tourism, real estate, military communities and with several universities.
She married Charles Crawley, a student at the University of Georgia, in March of 1973. In June 1974, she began a 30-year journey travelling the world as a military wife. Their journey took them through many tours of duty in the United States and Europe.
Susan lived for many years in the Tampa Bay area before moving home to Georgia and retirement on St. Simons Island.
She is survived by her husband of over 52 years, Colonel Charles Crawley, US Army, Retired of St Simons Island.
Survivors include two sisters Nancy (Oliver) Highsmith of Savannah, Carol (Mickey) Grainger of
Baxley, and sisters in law, Mary Louise Crawley of Athens and Sara Crawley of Gray.
Always the favorite aunt, her memory will be cherished by the many nieces and nephews she
leaves behind. Nieces Alicia Gibson (Evan) of Alpharetta, Karen Grainger of Baxley and
Amanda Swain (Lance) of Baxley. Nephew Marcus Ellis (Yisell) of Athens. Grandnephews
Cooper, Walker, James, and Cyrus, and grandniece Charley.
She was predeceased by her brothers in law, Mike Crawley, Will Crawley, and Tony Ellis.
A special thank you to the staff of Georgia Hospice Care and to Angela Swinson and her team
of caregivers who made Susan comfortable and enabled her to stay in her own home until her
passing.
Celebrations of life will be held at a later date at the First Baptist Church of Baxley and at Trinity Church of Reynolds. Interments will be private at Omega Cemetery in Baxley, and at Hillcrest Cemetery in Reynolds, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Epworth by the Sea, 100 Arthur J. Moore Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, or the charity of your choice.
McLeighton Funeral Service of Reynolds, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
