Bethani Stanford

Bethani Jo Stanford, 30, went home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2013. She was born in Clifton, TX, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerrell W. Martin of Crawford, TX. Bethani grew up in Crawford and attended Texas Tech University, receiving her Bachelor of Science in 2005. On April 28, 2007, Bethani married the love of her life, Justin Stanford. Together, they welcomed their beautiful daughter Madison Elise into the world on September 6, 2011. Bethani worked as a Grant Coordinator for Baylor University's Science Department. She and Justin were members of the First Baptist Church of Hewitt.

Bethani loved spending time with her family and friends, and enjoyed traveling, from Mexico beaches to the Colorado mountains. She loved children, and worked in daycares, youth summer camp programs and a children's shelter in Lubbock.

Bethani's faith, strength, courage, and grace were an inspiration to everyone that met her, and especially to her family. Her legacy lives on through her husband Justin Stanford, and daughter, Madison. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Shanda and Aaron Harrison, niece and nephew Kyla and Kooper, and her lifetime friend, Brandy Williams.

Bethani is also survived by her father and stepmother, J.W. and Chris Martin, step-sister and brother Tori Carruth and Sam Martin; her mother-and father-in-law, Karen and Wendell Stanford, sister-and brother-in-law Alisha and Steven Honey, niece and nephews Jayden, Kailey and Brandon; brother-and sister-in-law Jared and Julia Stanford, and niece Ava. Bethani is also survived by her grandmother, Lajuana Westerfield and great-grandmother Hazel Hawkins, aunt and uncle, Greta and Lane Westerfield, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m. in the Grace Gardens Chapel, followed by interment at Canaan Baptist Cemetery. Bethani, Justin and their family extend their sincerest gratitude to everyone who has offered love, support, and especially prayers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a benefit account at the Security Bank of Crawford.