Lula Belle Dean Crawford

Lula Belle Dean Crawford (“Lu”), age 85, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on April 19, 2026.

Lula Belle was born on July 21, 1940, in Magan, Kentucky. She was a proud graduate of Fordsville High School and continued her education at the University of Illinois. Lula Belle went on to dedicate over 20 years of service to Shepherd Spinal Center and Shepherd Pathways before her retirement.

She identified as Baptist and lived her life guided by kindness, generosity, and love. Lula Belle found great joy in cooking, sewing, traveling, and antiquing. She especially loved bringing people together, whether through large family gatherings, preparing meals, or hosting celebrations where everyone felt welcomed and cared for.

She will be remembered as kind, loving, generous, and fun-loving. Lula Belle made her family feel deeply loved and safe, serving as a steady and comforting presence. Her warmth and hospitality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Lula Belle was preceded in death by her husbands, Emmitt O. Dean Sr. and Frederick W. Crawford; her daughter, Renee LeClair; her parents, Ida Bee Doolin and Ted Doolin; her brothers, Scotty Doolin, Huston Doolin, and Randall Doolin; and her sisters, Garnett Beatty and Charlotte Owens.

She is survived by her son, Emmitt O’Neal Dean; granddaughter, Kacy A. Sobo; grandsons, Brandon LeClair and Austin LeClair; sisters, Linda Hendrix, Crecia Brown and Tammy Causey; brothers, Andy Doolin, Elvis Doolin and Billy Doolin; many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Magan, Kentucky on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.