Martha Crawford: July 24, 1963-July 4, 2025

Martha Russell Crawford passed away unexpectedly on the morning of July 4, 2025. Known affectionately as Martita to her nearest and dearest, she was a devoted wife and mother and the most loyal and generous friend one could hope to have. Born on July 24, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois to Selma Russell and William E. Russell Jr., Martha moved to Dallas, Texas as an infant where she spent her childhood and formative years.

She graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1982 and went on to study radio, television and film at the University of Texas in Austin. After college, Martha returned to Dallas and began her career at the national representative firm Capital Cities/ABC. She later worked in fashion with the clothing line Julie and Leonard. It was during these early adult years in Dallas that Martha formed many of her closest lifelong friendships – and met the love of her life, Daniel (Dan) Crawford.

They were married in 1996 and shared 29 years of love, laughter and unwavering partnership. Not long after their wedding, Martha and Dan moved to Houston. They welcomed their son Hudson in 1999 and their daughter Claire in 2001. The family made their home in several neighborhoods around Houston over the years – Larchmont, Briargrove, Memorial and Tanglewood – each one enriched by amazing friendships and close communities that Martha cherished.

Martha was known for her kindness, warmth, creativity, sense of humor and most of all her passion for fun. She was an amazing gift giver who had impeccable taste and an extraordinary way of making everyone feel special. She was also a fantastic cook who could transform the simplest ingredients into a delicious meal. Martha found delight in decorating for Christmas, arranging flowers, hosting gatherings in her home and finding hidden treasures at her beloved estate sales. But her greatest joy was sharing memorable moments with her family and friends.

Martha’s absence will be deeply felt by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Martha is preceded in death by her father, William E. Russell Jr., her stepfather Weldon Word, her brothers Mark Russell and Andrew Russell, and her father-in-law Gail Crawford. She is survived by her loving husband Dan Crawford, her son Hudson Crawford and his wife Devin, her daughter Claire Crawford, her mother Selma Russell Word, her sister MaryAnn Russell, her mother in law Nancy Crawford Boortz, her sister in law and brother in law Kathy and Todd Clements, Gail’s wife Charlotte and Charlotte’s children Robin Wombwell and her husband John, Holli Cutting and Brett McQuistion. In addition, Martha is survived by several nieces and nephews whom she loved and adored.

A private celebration of life was held at the Houston Racquet Club on July 18, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Blue Bird Circle at www.bluebirdcircle.networkforgood.com or mail to 615 W. Alabama St, Houston, TX 77006. You may also donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund at www.cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com or mail to 241 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville, TX 78028.