Edna Lee Hay Crews

Edna Lee Hay Crews, born September 10, 1940, to Willis and Georgia Lee Hay, peacefully transitioned on November 22, 2024, at the age of 84. A devoted Christian, Edna began her faith journey at Russell Grove Missionary Baptist Church and later joined Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she actively served in numerous ministries until her health declined. Her deep commitment to faith, family, and community defined her life.

Edna valued education, attending Fayette County Schools and Memphis Area Vocational School in the 1980s. She instilled a passion for lifelong learning in her children and grandchildren. Married to Albert Crews, Jr. in 1965, Edna was a loving mother to three children and a doting grandmother to four grandchildren.

Her professional career spanned 33 years in the Food and Nutrition Department at Baptist Memorial Hospital, retiring in 2001. Beyond her career, Edna was civically engaged, never missing an election, and co-founded the Red and Black Gala, serving for a decade. Her dedication to service extended to her church roles as a Deaconess, choir member, and active participant in the Culinary Ministry and Women’s Sunday School Class.

Preceded in death by her siblings and step-siblings, Edna is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Albert; her children Ernestine (Glenn), Justine (Luis), and Albert (Kristin); grandchildren Glenn II (Lauren), Grant, Luis Alexander, Caleb, and step-grandchild Ariel; her siblings Pearlie, Easter, Edna P., Sally, Gloria, Dexter, and Calvin; and a host of extended family and friends.

Edna will be remembered as a beacon of love, wisdom, and faith, leaving a lasting legacy for her family and community.

A visitation for Edna will be held Friday, December 13 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 AM, at Lake Grove Baptist Church, 265 Leath Street, Memphis, TN 38105. A second viewing will be taking place at Good Hope MB Church in Stanton, TN. from 1:00pm to 2:00pm The graveside committal service will occur afterwards, at approximately 2:00pm, at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 554 Hillville Road, Stanton, TN 38069.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly make a donation to the American Kidney Fund