Jennifer (Barlup) Crawford

Jennifer Barlup Crawford, 42, of Harnett County, NC passed on to her Heavenly Home, surrounded by her loving family, on October 14, 2023, at First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst, NC.

Jennifer was born in Frankfurt, Germany to Terry and Jessie Barlup on April 23, 1981. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Herman R. and Vera G. Barlup, and maternal grandparents Leo B. and Eleanor O. Bickal.

Jennifer was a graduate of Western Harnett High School, Class of 1999, and later graduated from Central Carolina Community College.

Jennifer served her country in the United States Army as a Combat Medic (68W). During her service, she deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, for a yearlong combat tour. During her combat tour, Jennifer was the sole medic for her Battalion Command Personnel Security Detachment, completing over 200 combat patrols and missions. For her service and combat deployment, Jennifer was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster (AAM, w/1 OLC), the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, The National Defense Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Expert Field Medical Badge. 

Jennifer’s entire universe centered around her children, and her biggest child, her husband. She loved her family completely and unconditionally. Her parents, Jessie and Terry, were her Rock, and her love and affection for them was the most complete for a child to their parents. Her brother Chris was her childhood hero who she loved as any little sister could possibly love their “Big Brother”, he remained one of her most favorite people on earth. She also extended her love to anyone, and loved her friends as family, always putting everyone else before herself. She had a special affection and place in her heart for her “HC Girls” (Jaime Ray, Vanessa/Buggie, Kshaw, Kwicka, Brooke, Melissa, Faith, Jessica, and Amanda). She was the definition of selfless in every way, often going without just to make someone else’s day just a little better than the day before. She lived her life by simply loving her Heavenly Father most, but others best. Her thoughtfulness for others was otherworldly, and truly something to behold. To know Jennifer, was to love her.

Jennifer’s passion was to travel with her family and make lasting memories. She believed in sharing the world with her children, and all the experiences this world has to offer, foreshadowing the importance of these lasting memories together. Her husband will be absolutely lost without his personal family travel advisor and planner. Together, they explored Europe, the Middle East, countless beaches, the North Carolina mountains, and her two favorite destinations: Helen (GA) and Tybee Island (GA). 

Jennifer is survived by her parents, her loving husband of 13 years, Ley Crawford; her son Abel, daughter Rori, Stepdaughter (as her own) Katlyn Crawford Cole (Karson) of Sanford; Stepson (as her own) Carter Crawford, III, Tucson, AZ; brother Chris Barlup (Angelique), Harnett County; Father and Mother-in-law, Carter and Nancy Crawford, Sylvania, Ga.; brothers-in-law, John Crawford, Statesboro, GA, Clark Crawford (Tabatha), Sylvania, Ga.; Sisters-in-law, Mary Wambold (Todd), Buford, Ga; Hays Jones (Andy), Sylvania, Ga.; and special family member Mrs. Dollie Singh, Harnett County; 15 nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Open Arms Community Church for family and friends, in Vass (NC), with Pastor John Brown as the officiant. Fully Military Honors will be provided by US Army personnel from Fort Bragg (Liberty). To celebrate the beautiful light that Jennifer shared with all of us, it is requested that bright and colorful attire is worn to truly celebrate the memory of Jennifer’s beautiful light and love filled life. Interment will be a later date for immediate family at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

A special “Thank You” to the caring and compassionate staff with the First Health Hospice House (Pinehurst, NC), with a very special thanks to Bailey, Wanda, and Michelle. Your compassion, love, and care for Jennifer was as if she were your own family. Each of you will always be eternally cherished within the Crawford Family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Open Arms Community Church in Jennifer’s memory. These memorial donations will be used to fund the purchase of two AED (Emergency Defibrillator) devices, as an act of Jennifer’s continued service and giving for others.

Open Arms Community Church

244 South St.

Vass, NC   28394

910-245-3612

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