Paula Marie (Lemmon) Crane

Paula Marie Crane, aged 44 of Edmond, OK, went to be with her Heavenly Father and earthly father on March 27th, 2020 after a brief battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer.  She was at home surrounded by family and dear friends, in the care of Crossroads Hospice.

Paula was born to Dr. Robert Edgar Lemmon and Barbara Diane (Low) Lemmon in Charleston, SC on January 19th, 1976.  Her sister, Lisa Beth was born 6 years ahead of her.  Her family would later move to Charlotte, NC where her father would teach at a university for a time.  They would then move to Houston, following work in the energy field.  Finally, the Lemmon family would come to Bartlesville, OK when Paula was just entering the 8th grade.  Paula first met Carl as members of the First Baptist Church youth group in Bartlesville, around this time.  After graduating High School, she went on to Tulsa Junior College to obtain a degree and become a Physical Therapy Assistant.  Upon graduation from college, she would work at Bartlesville Physical Rehabilitation where she loved interacting with and helping others heal.  When returning to Bartlesville from a road trip, she had a single car accident where one of the tools of her trade, a 5 lb. dumbbell, hit her in the back of the head when the car rolled off the road.  Fortunately, there was another motorist not far behind who called 911 and she was airlifted to Tulsa for treatment, and later rehabilitation for the traumatic brain injury she sustained.  Her recovery was long, but she was driven to rise and meet every challenge.  The hospital staff loved working with her and often playfully fought over who would be assigned to her that day.  Once she was discharged from rehabilitation, she would also spend time in therapy with horses at a ranch outside of Bartlesville to regain her core strength and balance.

During the later parts of Paula’s rehabilitation, her friendship with Carl was renewed and developed over time into courtship.  Paula was able to walk down the aisle on her daddy’s arm to marry Carl on April 24th, 2004 at the church where they first met, First Baptist Church in Bartlesville.  Ephesians 5:31 (NLT) As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”  They moved to Oklahoma City where Carl was employed by Cox Communications, and Paula was a homemaker who loved to cook and had a “card habit” as she loved surprising others with homemade treats and cards to let each and every person know they were special to her.  She loved making care packages for others, from family and the military, to friends, and even frequently giving to church benefits as well.  Paula was very active with her faith, volunteering at multiple venues like Crossings Community Church, Life Church, and even an at-risk Cub Scout group for a while with her husband and close friends.  She also had a huge love for animals, particularly cats.  She and Carl would spend time volunteering at Free to Live in Guthrie, OK on many occasions, sitting and socializing with the felines in the “cattery” there.  Paula and Carl loved investing in the lives of her nieces and nephew, as well as several other close friend’s children.  Paula shared her time, energy, and love with everyone.

Paula is survived by her husband of 16 years, Carl Ray Crane Jr, her mother, Barbara Diane Lemmon, her sister Lisa Beth Davidson and brother-in-law Michael Davidson, their four children Morgan, Hannah, Adam, and Sadie, and her mother-in-law Phyllis Waller and father-in-law Carl Crane Sr., along with a multitude of cherished friends.  She was preceded in death by her earthly father, Dr. Robert Edgar Lemmon.

Paula requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Free to Live of Guthrie, OK.  She wanted it to be known that they also have a wish list at Amazon Smile and purchases can be made to Paula’s name if you so choose.  https://freetoliveok.org/

Paula and her family are thankful and grateful to the members of her church family, friends, and hospice care who provided food, flowers, care packages, and comfort during her remaining time here on earth.

Two of the verses that were special to Paula, so much so she had tattoos of them, are below:

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

[Paula’s arm tattoo of this verse read – Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of things unseen.]

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Friday, February 12, 2021

2:00 PM (Prelude slideshow will begin approx. 145pm)

OKC Campus of Crossings Community Church

VIRTUAL-ONLY, no in-person service at this time

https://vimeo.com/510415702/6824823f2d