Virginia Mason

Virginia Crawford Mason, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 15, in Brentwood, Tennessee surrounded by her loving family. Virginia "Sister" Crawford was born on December 21,1924 in Pinckneyville, IL, daughter to William K. and Maud E. (Coffman) Crawford. She was baptized at First United Methodist Church of Pinckneyville on June 13, 1924 and was active in the church throughout her youth. She attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. After graduating in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Virginia taught third grade at L.T. Stone School in Galesburg. On August 30, 1947, she married Lloyd W. Mason and moved to Palo Alto, CA. Virginia continued to teach for two years until the birth of their first child in 1951. The new parents returned to Illinois, living in La Grange Park, and eventually settling in River Forest, where they raised four sons.Virginia resided in River Forest for 45 years, where she was an active member of the First United Church of Oak Park and the River Forest Tennis Club. Virginia opened her home to Young Life gatherings, Tri-Delt alumnae meetings and Bible studies. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, served on the Committee of Oak Park-River Forest Young Life and as Secretary for the Board of West Suburban Hospital. In 2007, Virginia moved to The Heritage of Brentwood, a senior living community, south of Nashville, TN and joined Brentwood United Methodist Church.Described by her grandchildren as "strong and courageous", Virginia learned how to perform dialysis for 3 years, without any prior medical training, in the basement of her home for her oldest son, Jack, while he awaited a kidney transplant. Further characterized as "fun-loving", Virginia adored live entertainment and passed along her love of theater arts to her family. Nine grandchildren remember her with these descriptive tributes: Regal, Compassionate, Humble, Devoted, Gentle, Faith-filled, Dignified, and extremely Generous.Survivors include daughter-in-law Deborah R. Mason of Hawthorn Woods, IL: three sons, William C. (Brandy) Mason of Carmel, IN, Richard L. (Jules) Mason of Brentwood, TN and Bruce C. Mason of Franklin, TN; nine grandchildren, Connor L. Mason, Clinton B. Mason, Linnea S. Mason, Virginia C. Mason (Eric) Moffett, Logan A. Mason, Amy K. Mason, Devon M. Mason, Aaron C. Mason and Benjamin G. Mason and her nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd; brother William K. Crawford Jr.; brother Robert J. Crawford; son John (Jack) E. Mason and nephew David R. Crawford.A Visitation will occur from 2-3:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday, July 28. A Celebration of Life service will be held afterwards, followed by interment at I.O.O.F Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL with Reverend Don Meeks officiating.Memorials may be made to Young Life in Colorado Springs, CO and American Kidney Fund in Rockville, MD.