Crystal L. Lapidus Mann, 57, formerly of Newark, Ohio, passed away on July 17, in North Charleston South Carolina, where she lived with her partner Steve Hegele.

Crystal was born on October 25, 1968, in Tampa, Florida.

Crystal is survived by her mother Sharon Plikerd, her beloved daughters, Abigail Mann (Jared Tucker) and Emma Mann (James Leggett), who were her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment of her life. She is also survived by her sisters, Kelly Wood Thornton, Marci (Jake) Hendershot, Missy Sendoya, Donna Tacey; her dear friend, Joe Nemeth; her cherished emotional support dog, Tilly; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, colleagues, and former clients whose lives she touched. 

Crystal is proceeded in death by her father Dr. William Plikerd and sisters Anne Rinaldo & Tonya Shelton.

Crystal graduated from Licking Valley High School with the Class of 1986. She then worked at Communicolor before pursuing her dreams in a career of helping others. Crystal attended The Ohio State University, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1998, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with specializations in Psychology and Women’s Studies in 2000, graduating summa cum laude, and a Master of Social Work degree in 2006 with advanced achievement in Women’s Studies. A Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision designation (LISW-S). 

Crystal dedicated her career to helping others heal. She specialized in trauma, grief, and eating disorders and was known for her extraordinary ability to connect with children, adults, and seniors alike. Throughout her career, she served clients through BHP (formerly Moundbuilders Behavioral Health), Kenyon College, Denison University, and several other counseling settings before fulfilling her dream of opening her own practice, Newark Granville Psychological and Counseling Services. Crystal’s gifts extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. She possessed a brilliant mind, was an exceptionally talented writer, and had a remarkable artistic ability. She had an enormous heart and consistently placed the needs of others before her own. She spent countless hours listening, encouraging, and counseling family members, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to know her. Her compassion was genuine, her empathy unwavering, and her generosity limitless. 

Crystal was married to Adam Hunt from 1988 to 1992. Although their marriage ended, she developed and maintained a treasured lifelong relationship with Adam’s mother, Iva Hunt. The two shared a love of Scrabble and enjoyed traveling together to tournaments over the years. Crystal was later married to Doug Mann from 2002 to 2017. Above all else, Crystal loved being a mother. Nothing brought her greater pride than watching Abby and Emma grow into the remarkable women they are today. She celebrated every milestone, offered unwavering encouragement, and loved them with all her heart. Her legacy lives on through them and through the countless lives she changed with her kindness, wisdom, and compassion. Crystal will be remembered for her intelligence, creativity, selflessness, and the extraordinary love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a legacy of healing, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. 

A celebration of Crystal’s life will be announced by the family at a later date.