The daughter of the late Grady and Karen Mathis of Cordele. Ms. Crissman was a member of the Georgia Defense Force. She was also a freelance journalist with WSST-TV in Cordele, an accomplished writer and member of the National Press Association. She was a member of Wenona Baptist Church in Cordele.

Survivors include her son Christopher Cole of Statesboro. Her brothers David (Suzi) Mathis of Ashburn and Brian (Donna) Crissman of Cordele. She is also survived by her nieces Megan Crissman, Caitlin and Ashley Esquivel of Cordele and nephews Liam, Pax, and Fitz Mathis of Ashburn.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents Deward H. and Odell Shipman and her favorite uncle Jerry Shipman.