A Dallas Matriarch Remembered: The Enduring Legacy of Margaret Doggett Crow
Dallas, Texas, and the broader philanthropic community are mourning the loss of a truly exceptional figure, Margaret Doggett Crow, who passed away on Friday evening, April 11, 2014, at the venerable age of 94. Mrs. Crow was not only the beloved wife of the late Fred Trammell Crow, widely recognized as one of the nation’s most visionary and successful real estate developers, but also a formidable force in her own right. Her passing signifies the end of an illustrious chapter for Dallas, a city she profoundly shaped through her unparalleled grace, philanthropic endeavors, cultural patronage, and unwavering commitment to civic improvement. This somber news resonated deeply, coming just as The Hockaday School celebrated its 100th anniversary and as her son, Harlan Crow, generously opened his magnificent home for a charitable tour benefiting the Park Cities Historical & Preservation Society. Margaret Crow’s life narrative is a powerful testament to resilience, a cherished partnership, and a steadfast dedication to enriching the lives of others.
Formative Years: Resilience Forged in Adversity
Born Margaret Doggett in Dallas, Texas, on May 17, 1919, she was the cherished only child of E. B. Doggett, a prosperous Dallas merchant, and his wife, Lillian. From an early age, Margaret displayed a remarkable intellect and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that were meticulously nurtured during her time at The Hockaday School for Girls, from which she proudly graduated in 1937. Her youth, however, was marked by both privilege and a profound, life-altering tragedy. At the tender age of 19, while pursuing her studies and actively participating in the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at the University of Texas in Austin, Margaret received devastating news: her parents had been killed in an automobile accident while returning to Dallas after visiting her. This immense personal loss, occurring at such a pivotal moment in her life, could have easily overwhelmed a lesser spirit. Yet, Margaret met this adversity with extraordinary strength and an enduring resilience that would become a defining characteristic throughout her remarkable life.
An even earlier event placed her inadvertently at the precipice of global history just as World War II ignited. Following a Hockaday-sponsored tour of Europe, Margaret and her classmates found themselves aboard the SS Athena on September 3, 1939. In a terrifying turn of events, the ship was torpedoed and sunk by German forces off the British coast. Hours later, adrift in lifeboats on the vast, unforgiving Atlantic, Margaret and her companions were miraculously rescued. This harrowing experience, occurring at the very onset of a global conflict, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on her psyche, instilling a deep appreciation for life’s fragility and the strength of human connection and survival.
It was amidst these challenging times that Margaret’s path crossed with Fred Trammell Crow, a commissioned naval officer. Their connection blossomed, leading to their marriage on August 15, 1942. This union marked the beginning of a partnership that would span 66 years, lay the foundation for a sprawling real estate empire, and create a loving family. With Margaret as his steadfast companion, Trammell embarked on a journey that would redefine commercial real estate.
A Partnership That Built a Dynasty: Family and Influence
Trammell Crow, supported wholeheartedly by Margaret, embarked on his distinguished career in commercial real estate shortly after their marriage. What began as an entrepreneurial venture soon evolved into the Trammell Crow Company, a pioneering enterprise that grew to become one of the largest and most diversified commercial real estate companies, not just in the United States, but across the globe. While Trammell was the visionary driving force behind the company’s monumental growth, Margaret was the unwavering anchor of their family and the steady, supportive presence behind his formidable ambitions. She epitomized the quintessential lady: educated, gracious, and possessing an innate ability to champion her husband’s extraordinary endeavors while meticulously cultivating a rich and vibrant family life.
Together, Margaret and Trammell Crow nurtured and raised six children: Robert, Howard, Harlan, Trammell S., Lucy Billingsley, and Stuart. Her role as a mother was paramount, as she dedicated herself to instilling values of integrity, hard work, and deep community service in each of her children. Even as the Crow family’s national prominence grew, Margaret maintained a remarkable sense of groundedness and an admirable preference for consistency. It is a telling detail, speaking volumes about her character and rootedness, that throughout her entire 94 years, she maintained the same phone number and resided in only two homes, merely three blocks apart within the prestigious Highland Park neighborhood of Dallas. This enduring stability stood in stark contrast to the dynamic, ever-changing world of global commerce her husband navigated.
Beyond the Domestic Sphere: A Global Hostess and Adventurer
Margaret Crow’s influence radiated far beyond the confines of her cherished family home. She excelled with remarkable aplomb in her multifaceted roles: an incomparable hostess, a steadfast friend, a dedicated civic leader, and an endlessly supportive wife. Her home became a vibrant nexus for an eclectic array of visitors, welcoming world leaders, foreign dignitaries, key business associates, and cherished close friends from every corner of the globe. Margaret and Trammell’s social calendar frequently included invitations to prestigious state dinners at the White House, where they were honored guests of five different U.S. Presidents. These invitations were a clear testament to their national stature and the significant influence they wielded, and Margaret navigated these high-profile settings with an effortless elegance, representing Dallas and her family with immense pride and unparalleled sophistication.
Their shared passion for adventure propelled them to traverse the world, embarking on journeys to remote and exotic locales. From pioneering trips to China in the 1970s, a time when few Americans had such unique access, to sailing the tranquil yet remote Greek isles, embarking on challenging hikes through the majestic landscapes of Canada, or undertaking deep expeditions into the heart of Africa, the Crows embraced every opportunity for exploration and discovery. For Margaret and Trammell, “the world was their oyster,” and these extensive travels not only broadened their perspectives but also ignited and fueled one of Margaret’s most significant and enduring passions: the acquisition and appreciation of fine international art.
The Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art: A Lasting Cultural Bequest
While a significant portion of Margaret Crow’s extensive philanthropic work and charitable contributions often remained unpublicized, one of her most celebrated and personally cherished achievements was the visionary establishment of the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art. This magnificent cultural institution was born directly from their mutual love of global travel and the countless, carefully curated acquisitions made during their frequent excursions across the continents. Through these journeys, the Crows developed a profound and particular appreciation for Asian art, culminating in a substantial collection of exquisite pieces, each narrating a unique story of diverse cultures, ancient traditions, and unparalleled artistic mastery.
In a profound act of generosity and a deeply held desire to share their treasured passion with the broader public, Margaret and Trammell Crow made their extensive collection accessible to all in 1998. The museum, now recognized as an indispensable cultural jewel, is strategically and prominently located in the vibrant Arts District of downtown Dallas, adjacent to the renowned Dallas Museum of Art. It stands as a magnificent and enduring testament to their philanthropic vision and their deep-seated belief in the transformative power of art to inspire, educate, and forge meaningful connections between people across different cultures. The Crow Collection is far more than a mere display of beautiful objects; it is a living legacy that perpetually enriches the cultural tapestry of Dallas and serves as a vital gateway to understanding the profound artistic heritage of Asia.
A Life Defined by Dedicated Service and Philanthropy
Beyond her monumental contributions to the arts, Mrs. Crow devoted her life to championing and supporting a vast array of charitable, civic, and educational causes, impacting communities both in Dallas and internationally. Her profound commitment to education was particularly evident through her long-standing and devoted involvement with her alma mater, The Hockaday School, where she served with distinction as a revered Life Member of the Board of Trustees. Her dedication also extended significantly to higher education, as she played an instrumental role on the University of Texas System Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee and various advisory councils for the University of Texas College of Fine Arts and the University of Texas College of Arts and Sciences, thus directly influencing and shaping the educational trajectories of countless students.
Her civic engagement was equally impressive and far-reaching. Margaret Crow was an actively involved and influential member of the Texas Commission on the Arts and Humanities, passionately advocating for cultural enrichment and accessibility across the entire state. She generously lent her considerable talents, wisdom, and resources to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Board and the Visiting Nurses Association Board, tirelessly championing initiatives that significantly improved the quality of life and well-being for Dallas residents. Furthermore, her deep and abiding roots within the Dallas community were vividly reflected in her active memberships with the Highland Park United Methodist Church, the Junior League of Dallas, the Dallas Woman’s Club, the Dallas Garden Club, the Founders Garden Club of Dallas, the Daughters of the American Colonists, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. These affiliations were far from mere honorary titles; they represented active, committed involvement and a genuine, unwavering desire to uplift, preserve, and foster the core values she held so dear.
The Quintessential “Lady”: A Lasting Impression
Margaret Doggett Crow truly embodied the very essence of a “lady” in every conceivable sense of the word. This profound sentiment was eloquently articulated by Jim Carreker, a former CEO of both Trammell Crow Company and Wyndham Hotels, and a cherished, long-time family friend: “If but one word could be used to describe Margaret it would be ‘lady.’ She embodied every aspect of the word; she was educated, gracious and tirelessly supportive of her family and her community. Margaret will surely be missed, but just as surely, she will never be forgotten.”
Her life journey was a remarkable tapestry woven with threads of overcoming adversity, forging an incredibly powerful and productive partnership, and leaving an indelible and transformative mark on her beloved community and far beyond. She navigated immense wealth and profound influence with a rare blend of humility, an unwavering sense of responsibility, and an innate understanding of her role in society. Margaret Crow’s multifaceted legacy is etched not only into the iconic Dallas skyline through her husband’s pioneering developments but also in the vibrant cultural institutions she meticulously helped to build, the countless educational opportunities she passionately fostered, and the myriad lives she touched and enriched with her boundless generosity, profound wisdom, and unparalleled grace. Her memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come, serving as a beacon of philanthropic vision and civic leadership.
Family and Memorial Arrangements
Margaret Crow was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Fred Trammell Crow, who passed away on January 14, 2009. She also endured the profound sorrow of losing her eldest son, Robert Crow, on April 16, 2011. She is survived by her five devoted children: Howard Crow; Harlan Crow and his wife, Katherine; Trammell S. Crow; Lucy Billingsley and her husband, Henry; and Stuart Crow and his wife, Shirley. She also leaves behind her cherished daughter-in-law, Nancy Crow, 17 adoring grandchildren, and eight precious great-grandchildren, all of whom proudly carry forward her remarkable spirit, values, and enduring legacy.
A public memorial service to honor and celebrate Margaret Doggett Crow’s extraordinary life is planned to be held at the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. Specific details regarding the date and time of the service will be announced in due course. In lieu of flowers, the Crow family respectfully requests that donations be made to organizations that were particularly close to Margaret’s heart, thus ensuring the continuation of her profound legacy of philanthropy and community support:
- The Margaret and Trammell Crow Chair for Alzheimer’s and Geriatric Research at Southwestern Medical Foundation in Dallas
- The Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art
- The Hockaday School for Girls
Her memory will forever serve as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and to the countless individuals who continue to benefit from her profound and lasting contributions to Dallas and the world.