Emma Jean Crawford

Emma Jeanne Bailey Saliba Crawford December 21, 1931 - May 31, 2026 In the early morning of May 31, 2026, Emma Jeanne Bailey Saliba Crawford, age 94, peacefully entered the arms of her Lord and Savior. Born on December 21, 1931, to Florence Patton Bailey and William F. Bailey, Emma Jeanne was the youngest of eight children. She grew up in Ellijay, Georgia, where she graduated from Gilmer County High School. She went on to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing from Kennesaw College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Brenau University, and later a degree in Theology from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Emma Jeanne devoted much of her professional life to caring for others as an ICU nurse and in several other nursing roles at Kennestone Hospital. She also shared her deep faith and love of learning by teaching Episcopal theology classes. A devoted member of St. James Episcopal Church, Emma Jeanne faithfully served in many ministries throughout the years. She was a Lay Minister, a member of the Altar Guild and the Daughters of the King, and Sunday School teacher. Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided her service to both her church and her community. One of Emma Jeanne's greatest joys was bringing people together. She loved entertaining family and friends and cherished the many friendships she developed through Bridge, Uno Club, Dinner Club, Mahjong, Garden Club, Investment Club, and numerous other community activities. She found great beauty in God's creation and especially loved watching birds, admiring flowers, trees, and gardens, and spending time outdoors. Camping with her family and vacations to the beach were favorite traditions, often enhanced by visits to renowned botanical gardens and museums. An adventurous traveler, Emma Jeanne was blessed to visit many places around the world, including Germany, Greece, Israel, Russia, China, and Turkey. She and her husband, Dr. Farris Michael Saliba, also shared a heart for service through mission trips to Honduras, where she taught sewing and Farris provided eye examinations and distributed eyeglasses. Emma Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Farris Michael Saliba; her sons, Jonathon Farris Saliba and Charles Farris Saliba; and her second beloved husband, George Dean Crawford. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Alice Saliba and Kathryn Stephens (John); her grandchildren, Laura Burleigh (Nick), Morgan Taggart, Erin Hudson Looper (Jameson), Shannon Hudson, and John Thomas Stephens; her great-grandchildren, Weston Looper, Nathan Burleigh, and Liam Burleigh. She also leaves behind numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and their families, along with Dean Crawford's children-Allen Crawford (Denise), Terry Crawford (Aileen), and Nancy Crawford-and their families. A graveside service celebrating Emma Jeanne's life will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Cemetery, 139 Polk Street NW, Marietta, Georgia 30064. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the St. James Cemetery Fund, c/o St. James Episcopal Church, 161 Church Street NE, Marietta, Georgia 30060. Please note "Cemetery Fund" on your donation. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, love, and support as they celebrate Emma Jeanne's remarkable life and enduring legacy.