Georgia M. Crouch

Through the grace of God, Georgia M. Dolores Lee-Bowman Crouch died to this earthly life on November 15, 2012. A native of San Antonio, she felt blessed to have been surrounded by a village of parents. "I was the fifth child born to Anita Moore and Frank Horne in 1931 at Robert B. Green hospital. They named me Charlotte Louise. It was during the Great Depression, a devastating time for so many, and we lived at 322 E. Crockett where the IMAX now stands.

When I was three months old, Anita and Frank chose a unique 20 year old as my custodial parent. Mary Mildred Webb Lee, who scripted her own life, was married to Charles F. Lee at that time. Mildred placed me in the loving arms of her strong but gentle mother, Eva (Evie) Lawley Webb Bryant Anderson, who bestowed unconditional love upon me; a love which I have felt all of my life. As grandmother Evie's health continued to fail, her friends, Margaret (an advocate for voter's rights) and Malcolm Osborn (a wounded WWI veteran), joined in my care. At the age of six years, I went to live with my now adoptive mother Mildred and stepfather George Bowman of Devine, Texas. I then joined the ranks of likely many 'latchkey kids' of working parents and was enrolled in first grade at St. Mary's parochial school in downtown San Antonio. I was mentored by dear teachers, in particular, Sister Miriam Fidelis.

I was baptized at St. Leo's Catholic Church and grew up on many 'sides' of San Antonio - - from Harlandale to the King William area. In 1938, we moved to W. Commerce and Rosillo where the 'trolley' tracks were being dug up and the popcorn wagon's whistle and ice cream cart's bell could be heard and eagerly awaited. Riding the city bus from school out W. Commerce, I can vividly recall the wonderful sights and sounds of San Antonio, especially the river and market square with its flower and candy vendors and their glass cases - - such a wealth of color across from Santa Rosa hospital. Over the railroad tracks of the Missouri Pacific (no overpass then), I could hear the music wafting from the upstairs dance hall past 'ice' houses, Winn's, DeWinne's, and Walter's. On one particular evening, I even heard the voices of the pecan factory workers who were on strike for fair wages and better hours. Near the school downtown, I can recall the back entrance ticket booths to the theaters for many S.A. citizens who could purchase seating in the 'rafters' -- for far too many years. During WWII, trucks picked up scrap iron, rubber goods and newspapers while troop transport trains routinely came and went. In 1944, another move took me to the north side area close to the zoo where the lions' growl could be heard in the early mornings. In 1945, I was fortunate to hear the sounds of celebration as peace came.

I graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1948. Among my 'village of parents' were Aunt Hattie and Uncle Jack Bryant, along with Jeanne Reper and Ora Lee. I am so grateful for the many 'gifts' received from my many family members as well as the love and value of: God and Country; education; hard work; resilience; self-reliance; equality; independence; many cultures; nature; music; friendships; laughter; and smiles. I never knew my siblings but my prayers have been for their well-being and a good life. As San Antonio continued to grow, my hopes also grew for a bright future for the whole of my beloved city and its' peoples."

In 1949, at the age of 17, Georgia was married to Chester G. Crouch, Jr. at St. Mary's Church. During their 25 year marriage, they were blessed with six beloved children. Half of those years were spent living from the Texas Panhandle to the lower Rio Grande Valley. From East to West and then back to San Antonio, they were rewarded with many valued friendships. Following the early death of her husband in 1974, and with the encouragement of her children, Georgia returned to college and completed her master's degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1978. As a licensed clinical social worker, she was grateful for the persons she met and served in many healthcare areas. One of the highlights of her service was participating with a great team in the 'Hospice Demonstration Project' which resulted in Medicare funding for hospice care. In later years, she served with the dedicated team of family hospice. Through the years she was active in community, school and church volunteer work.

Georgia considered her children and grandchildren to be her greatest treasures and legacy. Her beloved children who survive her are, from the eldest: Christopher Gerard Crouch and wife Brigitte, Michael John Crouch and wife Marty, Mark Joe Crouch and wife Celia Ann, Joan Mary Crouch, Jacqueline Therese Crouch Montague and husband Dan, and Liesl Anne Crouch Wonder. The joys of her life, her grandchildren, from the eldest are: Joshua C. Huck, Bradley Christopher Crouch, Tobey Shane Decker, Brandon Michael Crouch, Kyle Evan Crouch and Jessica Hunt, Austin Michael Crouch, April Renee Crouch, Jennifer Marie Crouch, Jessica Jorine Monk, Preston George Crouch, Samantha Anne Wonder, Corbin Taylor Montague, Candice Rose Montague, Sean Ryan Wonder and Tyler Joseph Crouch. Great-grandchildren: Xander James Crouch, Ryli Jain Decker and Noah Decker. She is also survived by her beloved and brave special sister, Jean Webb Gingrich, husband Randy and their family, cousins Jack and John Bryant and their families, and friends: Sandy Foss (sister at heart), Bea Ploch, Josephine Kallus, Mary Jo Bolner, Jackie Rome and husband Jim, Betty Kissling, Gia Tomaino Raymond, John Churchill, Valerie Pawelek, Kay and husband Joe Riojas, Norma Pacquelet and all of the St. Mary 'debs', KB, and others who know their special place in Georgia's heart.

A very special thanks to Dr. Joseph D. McCracken for his care, compassion and expertise along with his team, and with appreciation to Dr. G. Burton Shaw. Also, a special thanks to Evercare Hospice for the kind, loving and professional care provided at the end of her existence.

Remembrance and a sharing service will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary at 10 am on Friday, November 23, 2012 with interment following at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Georgia considered Fort Sam a privilege as her earthly resting place due to the WWII service of her husband. If desired, donations may be made to the Wounded Veteran Services and/or to local agencies serving children and families.