Jan Crofford

The world became a little dimmer on Friday, July 26, 2024 when one of its brightest lights, Jan Jennings Crofford, 65, passed away peacefully at her home in Decatur, Georgia.

Jan Crofford was born Janice Ellen Jennings on November 26, 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first born child of E. Paul Jennings Jr. and Edna K. Jennings. After moving around the East Coast and Midwest during her early childhood, her family settled in Atlanta where she and her three brothers attended Lakeside High School. She graduated in 1977 and then went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia in 1981.

After graduation, she traveled the world as a flight attendant and travel agent before settling down back in Atlanta and marrying Keith B. Crofford in 1989. They had a daughter, Corinne in 1991 and a son, Jacob in 2000. She was an incredibly loving mother, but did not let motherhood stop her lust for life, traveling extensively and attending concerts as often as she could, especially to see her favorite artist Van Morrison.

She built a tranquil home in the woods of Decatur, practicing folk and reuse art, working as a floral design artist and earning her Master Gardener credentials. She traveled to every corner of the world with her multitude of friends and family, balancing Egypt, Barcelona, and Bhutan with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the South's Great Smoky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico's coastlines. She traveled to Mardi Gras in New Orleans for over twenty years in a row. Her love for the outdoors with her Women's Quest friends led her across the United States and the world and she ventured up Stone Mountain with her loved ones many times, including her last fifteen birthdays.

Beyond her travels and accomplishments, Jan will be most remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend who most enjoyed spending time with others and giving of herself selflessly.

Jan is survived by her loving family Keith, Corinne and Jacob; her mother Edna Jennings; her brothers David Jennings and his daughter Abigail; Tommy Jennings, DJ Jennings and his wife Karen Hagerman; and her sister-in-law Joelle Crofford and her children Paul, John and Trinity.

Jan is preceded in death by her father, Paul Jennings, whom she revered.

Jan loved the flora and fauna of Georgia deeply. The family is accepting flowers or donations in her honor to the Georgia Conservancy.