Patsy Ruth Crawford Smith peacefully entered her heavenly home early Sunday morning, February 11, 2024. She was born October 6, 1932, in Middleton, TN daughter of the late Daniel Loyd Crawford and Virginia May Etheridge Crawford.
She spent her early years enjoying being the baby of three older siblings. She recited poetry, led cheers, excelled in basketball, and was a finalist in the Strawberry Festival pageant. She graduated as Salutatorian, Class of 1950, at Middleton High School.
Pat, diligent and hardworking in her career, was presented awards more than once for her meticulous attention to detail. She retired from Regions Bank in the late 90s.
Post-retirement, Pat enjoyed traveling with friends and family and also attended musical events, especially if a family member was performing. She was a lifelong Tiger basketball fan and rarely missed a game on TV. One of her special talents was that she had a song or a poem at the ready for any and all occasions.
Pat was a dedicated Christian and had an impressive amount of Scripture memorized by heart. She attended Floyd Avenue, Raleigh, and Great Oaks churches of Christ. She gave generously throughout the years to her congregation, ministries, and causes close to her heart. She volunteered each week singing and visiting those in various nursing homes.
Pat was loyal and steadfast in maintaining her friendships over many decades. She never forgot a special moment or missed an opportunity to send a thoughtful, perfectly chosen card to her friends and family. She had a keen interest in the lives of others, always remembering important details about those she held dear. She enjoyed nothing more than long visits, conversations, and a good humored debate with those she loved. Her thoughtfulness, curious mind, and quick wit will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her son Mark Smith (Amy) of Jackson, TN and daughter Jana-Lynn Smith Skelley (Joe) of Germantown, TN. Pat cherished being “Grandmother” to her grandchildren Tara Skelley Burrows (Phil) of Germantown, TN, Trevor Skelley (Ashley) of Germantown, TN, Clayton Smith (Allison) of Dallas, TX, Daniel Smith of St. Louis, MO and Amanda Smith of Martin, TN. She’s also survived by many dear nieces and nephews and their families of whom she was especially proud and close. In later years, she was delighted to become a great-grandmother, “G.G.” to Ward Burrows, Mae Skelley, and Roselyn Ruth Burrows.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Peggy Shearin, William (Bill) Crawford, and David Crawford.
SERVICES: A funeral service celebrating Pat’s life will be Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Collierville Funeral Home with Tim Alsup officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday morning at 9:30am, continuing until the service begins at 11:00am. The burial will take place at 2:00pm at Middleton, TN City Cemetery. Pallbearers are Trevor Skelley, Phil Burrows, Clayton Smith, Daniel Smith, Shay Crawford, and Rick Crawford.
The family requests memorial contributions be directed to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc. PO Box 111180 Nashville, TN 37222 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
