Cora Crouch Straughan
September 9, 2018 – December 23, 2025
Cora Crouch Straughan, age 7, filled her days with joy, curiosity, and a love of life that touched everyone who knew her. Born on September 9, 2018, Cora was a bright and spirited second grader whose intelligence shone through in everything she did. She had a deep love of reading, a natural talent for math, and a creative soul that came alive through art. She had a wonderful imagination and a deep love of action figures, board games, and baking. Cora loved to create and created such beautiful pieces. She saw the world with beauty and light.
Cora loved being outdoors and was happiest when moving—cycling, running “wild and free,” hiking, climbing, skating, practicing taekwondo and exploring. She loved the thrill of roller coasters. She could never be still and spent her days literally hopping up and down with excitement.
You always knew when Cora entered a room. She was a loud and boisterous child who wore her heart on her sleeve. She loved fiercely and with her entire being. She hugged the same way—with her whole heart and all of her strength—and she was such a strong little girl. Cora embraced life with courage and enthusiasm and was wise beyond her 7 young years. Her curiosity, determination, and radiant smile will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was a loyal, kind and compassionate friend. She had empathy that you wouldn’t expect in someone so young. Cora loved snacks, ice cream, filet mignon, all fruit, sorting things and creating her own games. She always had a vision and a plan. She was authentically herself. Cora would never do anything “just because everyone else was doing it.” Her older brother described her as being “a bucket of fun.”
On December 23rd, Cora passed away tragically after being struck by a truck while doing one of her favorite activities—riding her bicycle on vacation. Cora’s life, though brief, was filled with love, laughter, and purpose. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, empathy, creativity, and boundless potential. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. We are so grateful for the 7 years, 3 months, 13 days, 18 hours and 35 minutes we had her. She would have asked “How many seconds?!” with her wide toothy grin. She’d have been disappointed to know we don’t know. Her time wasn’t nearly enough but it was everything.
Cora is survived by her Mommy, Megan Kathleen Straughan; Mama, Margaret Melissa Crouch; and her best friend and brother, Carter Crouch Straughan, age 8.
Her grandparents: Michael Gordon Straughan and Elizabeth “Betsy” Straughan; John Steve Crouch Sr and Margaret “Marty” Hill Crouch; and Juliana McKinley Winters. Her Great Grandparents: John and Barbara Anderson;
Her Uncles and Aunts: Jacqueline Straughan and Erik Meiselman; Zachary Adam and Elizabeth Crouch McDowell; and John Steve Crouch Jr and Erin Stephens Crouch. Her Great Uncles and Aunts: Keltie and Richard Wright; Kathy Straughan, Brent and Francis Straughan; Will Newton Crouch and Claire Browning Crouch;
Her Cousins: Evelyn Starr and Grant Adam McDowell; Lyra Meiselman; and Susan “Susie” Juliana Crouch and John Steve Crouch III.
Her chosen family: Bhavya Gowda and Desmond “Dez” Gulino Gowda; Corley Hopkins Raileanu and Clark Phillips and Sophie Sinclair Raileanu. Among many others.
She was preceded in death by her Great Uncle Bruce Straughan.
In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to organizations listed below. Cora cared deeply about reading and making sure everyone had a place to play and food to eat.
https://backpackbeginnings.org/
Home – Donate to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
We welcome friends and family to join us in a celebration of life service on December 31, 2025 at 2:00 at First Baptist Church of Griffin, Georgia. The family will hold a visitation before the service begins at 12:45. A future celebration of life service will be held in Eden, North Carolina. Details to follow soon.