In the heart of our picturesque Grand Palm community, resides a family whose story radiates warmth and love. Meet the Crawfords – Doug, Rose, and their four incredible children: Sheyenne, Ryan, JD, and Silas. Together, they are a shining example of a close-knit family with deep-rooted values of service, faith and community.

Doug and Rose have been family friends since childhood, where fate seemed to have intertwined their destinies. “We saw each other across the church nursery, and it was love at first sight,” recalls Doug with a chuckle. Growing up as friends and high school sweethearts in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the two married and early on their passion for adopting became a reality. 

After the unexpected and tragic loss of their mother, Sheyenne (12 at the time) and Ryan (just 9 years old) were warmly welcomed into the Crawford family. As the family embraced its new dynamics, love multiplied exponentially with the addition of their two biological children, JD and Silas.

Doug previously served as a youth pastor in a local church for 15 years but eventually accepted a position as Chief Presentation Officer at Protect Young Eyes. He primarily creates, presents, and trains a team of individuals to speak in schools, churches, and other community groups all over the United States on topics related to digital citizenship and safety. His compelling talks and curricula on social media safety have brought awareness and empowerment to countless students, teachers, and parents across the country. 

The Crawfords decided to relocate to the sunny state, just three short years ago. During their initial days in Florida, the family faced the challenges of COVID-19. With Doug’s national speaking engagements put on hold, both Doug and Rose transitioned into real estate, allowing them to stay connected with the community and serve their neighbors in a new capacity. They are both licensed REALTORS® with Canzell Realty providing services in both residential and commercial capacities. 

Rose, with her warm and welcoming spirit, not only brings her passion for real estate but also for education, to our community. As a licensed REALTOR®, she deftly navigates the residential market, guiding first-time homebuyers with care and teaching them the nuances of homeownership. But her heart also lies in education as a director of Classical Conversations, a local co-op that fosters an environment of growth and learning for homeschooled children. Children benefit from engaging in weekly classes and exploratory field trips, while receiving a quality education within a home environment. As a family, they truly appreciate the flexibility it affords them and their two youngest, as well as the collaboration with other families in Grand Palm.

Their triumphant story continues as Sheyenne, now 25 and happily married to Marquel Shannon, is expecting their second baby. Sheyenne takes pride in being a stay-at-home mom and values this precious time and opportunity. They reside in Grand Rapids where Marquel is a CAD Draftsman at VK Civil and they have created a loving home for their expanding family. 

Ryan is now 22 and works in Logistics at Polser and devotes his time volunteering at The Village, a non-profit organization that mentors teenage men, guiding them towards a brighter future. Soon to marry Luci, he exemplifies the family’s dedication to fostering positive change within their community. Luci also shares in this spirit, as she is a Teacher’s Assistant at Lighthouse Montessori School.  

The youngest of the crew, JD (8) and Silas (5), enjoy the pleasure of all the benefits that Grand Palm has to offer – specifically, the pools and the food trucks. JD loves playing baseball for the Venice Little League, while Silas has an affinity for the arts and drama. Both boys immerse themselves in reading, whether snuggling up with their parents listening to a story or being engrossed in the world of a book of their choice.

The family’s love for water and travel manifests in their regular trips to the beach, where JD and Silas enjoy shark tooth hunting and building unforgettable memories. At home, you will find that a strong sense of community is central to the Crawford family's values. They have an open door policy and what stands out most is their unwavering dedication to serving others. As Doug states, “A fully satisfying day would be making dinner for 30 people and having them sit down and enjoy it with the camaraderie and community that happens around it.”

To newcomers to the neighborhood, the Crawford family has a warm invitation: embrace the opportunities Grand Palm offers and actively contribute to creating a close-knit, caring community. As Rose recommends, “Go to the pools, but expect that it might be a little crazy. But have fun. It is a great place to meet neighbors.” Half serious and half joking, Doug says, “If you have a dog, come over so we don’t have to get one. Please visit.” He adds, “There are many kids here that live a long distance from their grandparents, while there are many grandparents that may live a long distance from their grandkids.” Doug emphasized what beauty it would be in bridging that gap for a win-win in our wonderful community.

 

The story of the Crawford family is a testament to the power of love, faith, and service. As they lift others up through their work and interactions, they leave an indelible mark on the hearts of many. The Crawford’s family journey is a source of inspiration, reminding us that through love and service, we can make the world a better place. 

Doug adds, “A huge passion for our family is to serve God by loving other people. By washing feet through a variety of different things.”

And as Rose aptly puts it, “To us, that is greatness.”