Mrs. Frances June Black Crawford

Mrs. Frances June Black Crawford, 87, of Waycross, Georgia died Monday January 18, 2021, at Orlando Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, Florida. Frances was a dedicated nurse for 43 years who helped shape the concept of ambulatory surgery and founded the first operational out-patient surgery center in Miami Dade County. She was a true pioneer in the field and helped develop and established the Guminick Ambulatory Care Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach where she worked as the Administrator until her retirement. Frances attended nursing school in 1952 at Jackson Memorial Hospital (JMH), and the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. She specialized as a “Scrub Nurse” which was the predecessor of what is known today as a “Scrub Technician.” In her day the higher level training of a Registered Nurse was required in the operating room. There were many technological advances in the medical field during her nursing career. Frances was involved in many “firsts” in the operating theater including cataract extraction with lens implants, open heart bypass surgery, laparoscopic , laser instrument, arthroscopic procedures and invitro fertilization. Jackson Memorial Hospital was on the cutting edge of surgical advancements and Frances was an integral part of the teams who pushed the boundaries of patient care. Her work was featured in several informational brochures and medical publications in Dade County over her many years of service. Frances was a lifelong member of the AORN, Association of Operating Room Nurses, holding the office of president of the SE area for several years. She published numerous articles on "ambulatory surgery" and spoke at many nursing conferences throughout the United States. Frances was also privileged to travel the world, including Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, Europe and the Far East, visiting China three times. She visited hospitals and operating rooms and shared information with nurses around the world. She also assisted Cuban doctors assimilate into the medical community in Miami during the early 1960's. Mrs. Frances June Black Crawford was born on June 22, 1933, the second of three children of John Floy and Frances Lawrence Black. Her grandfather and great grandfather were cotton farmers who provided cotton for the mills in Thomaston, GA. Born in Crest, GA, and raised in Thomaston, GA, however she spent most of her life in Miami, FL. Frances was a devoted wife of 46 years, mother of four, and grandmother of six whom she dearly loved. Mrs. Crawford is survived by her children, Daniel Crawford & wife Adrienne Crawford of Miami, FL; John Crawford of Miami, FL; Christina Crawford Baker & husband Charles Baker of Waycross, GA; and Lucy Crawford Cole of Ocoee, FL; a brother, John Floy Black Jr. & wife Beatrice Black of Jacksonville, FL; her six grandchildren, Emerald Black of Atlanta, GA; Matthew Crawford, Clarice Crawford, Christopher Crawford all of Miami, FL; and Daniel Cole, David Cole both of Ocoee, FL. and her three nephews and two nieces. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Frederick Crawford, and her sister, Marie Black Thompson. Frances wanted to be a nurse from the age of 6. You always knew when she was in the room, for she brought sunshine, love and kindness. A true southern belle, gracious, charming and hospitable. Loved and cherished by her family and especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her children, and all who knew and loved her. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston, Georgia is entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com. A remembrance of her life will be held at a graveside service and interment on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Hendricks Baptist Church Cemetery, 15 Crest Lane, Thomaston, GA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.