Shirley Wagner Crawford

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Shirley Wagner Crawford passed peacefully into Heaven on November 8, 2020, with her daughter, Kim, her son, Kip and his wife, Whitney by her side. She was born to Logan and Lena Nichols Wagner on February 19, 1935 in Grenada, Mississippi.

Shirley was an outgoing and vibrant person all her life. She loved sports and was a talented basketball player and cheerleader at Grenada High School where she graduated in 1953. She went on to Ole Miss and quickly became a campus favorite. She pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority, was a cheerleader for four years and Miss Ole Miss as a junior in 1956. Shirley met Eddie at Ole Miss and they were married February 9, 1957.

Shirley and Eddie moved to Oxford in 1962 and thus began her commitment to the two things she loved only second to family; Delta Delta Delta sorority and Ole Miss. She served the Chi Chapter of Delta Delta Delta as an advisor in some capacity for nearly 60 years and was a constant presence in the Ole Miss family in every way imaginable. Shirley was without question one of the best ambassadors for the University of Mississippi and the State of Mississippi.

Shirley was lovingly known as wife, Mama, Sippi, Shirl, sister and friend. She truly never met a person who didn’t love her and will never forget her. Her home was always filled with friends. Shirley was Mom to so many, from the many members of the Tri Delta sorority to the many athletes who came to her home during their time at the University.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Eddie. She is survived by her son, Kip and his wife Whitney; her daughter, Kim and her husband, Brett, her grandsons Logan and Slater and his wife, Nina. She was also survived by her sister, Barbara Wagner Murray as well as nieces, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

A full service will be held Graveside at Oxford Memorial Cemetery at 12:00 noon Friday, November 13, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held in West Hall at Waller Funeral Home immediately following the service and will last until 3:00pm.

Following Shirley’s wishes, we ask for memorial gifts to be made in her name to:

Shirley Crawford Women’s Council Scholarship Endowment, University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University, Oxford, MS 38655.

Ole Miss Athletic Foundation, P.O. Box 1519, Oxford, MS 38655.

First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, 924 Van Buren, Oxford, MS 38655.