Barbara McCurley Crump

Barbara Jean (McCurley) Crump, of Athens, passed away peacefully on March 4 2026, at the age of 92.

She was born on a snowy night, December 16, 1933, in Elberton, Georgia, the first child of Mary Thornton McCurley and Albert McCurley. Raised in Hartwell, “Bobbie,” as she was affectionately known, attended Hart County High School, graduating in 1951. It was in Hartwell that she met the love of her life, Jack Perry Crump, whose family owned a dairy farm just down the road. They married and began their life together in what was lovingly known as the “little house on the farm,” where they welcomed three daughters.

Barbara and Jack later moved their young family to Athens, Georgia, where they established Crump and Dixon Construction Company. Barbara worked alongside her husband as a bookkeeper in the company’s early years before continuing her career at Westinghouse, the University of Georgia, and Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, forming lifelong friendships along the way. Together, they built their dream home in the woods overlooking a babbling creek, where she later delighted in watching her grandchildren play from her porch swing on the deck above.

Barbara had a true zest for life and found joy in gardening, reading, sewing, camping, and shopping. She especially cherished her camping trips to the North Georgia mountains at Turner‘s Corner with her best friends and her annual Cherry Blossom Festival outings with her three girls, where they wore matching outfits, laughed endlessly, and stayed up far too late. She appreciated the little things that made life beautiful. Just as she was rarely seen without her jewelry, each piece chosen with care, her home was lovingly adorned with cherished collections and meaningful knickknacks, every one holding a story. Most of all, she will be remembered for her joyful spirit and the warmth she shared so freely. She was happiest when surrounded by family and was blessed with a large one, including three siblings—her sisters, Pat and Carolyn, and her brother, Larry. She was also fortunate to enjoy many years with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Teresa Hembree (Ken), Susan Wages (Randy), and Pam Wallace (Norris); her siblings, Patsy Crump, Larry McCurley, and Carolyn Johnson; five grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who will continue to honor her memory.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 25 years, Jack Perry Crump; her mother, Mary Thornton McCurley; and her father, Albert McCurley.

The family is forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by her dear friend and caregiver, Beverly Craft, as well as the staff at Manor Lake Assisted Living, Pruitt Heritage Health of Athens, and Pruitt Hospice of Athens.

A graveside service celebrating the life of Barbara Crump will be held at Nancy Hart Memorial Park in Hartwell, Georgia on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Barbara Crump's memory to PruittCares Foundation or a hospice organization of your choice. 

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements