Betty McBrayer Crosley

Born on August 24, 1936, in Rowan County, Kentucky — a place she lovingly called “God’s Country”— Betty was raised on a farm where her deep love for family and simple joys first took root. That love remained the cornerstone of her life.

In Memphis Tennessee, she married the love of her life, John Crosley from Morehead, Kentucky. Together, they built a family grounded in faith, devotion, and unwavering support.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John. She is survived by her three children, Anne Crosley Brown (Troy), Linda Crosley McDurmont (Mike), and David Crosley (Kim). Her legacy continues through her six grandchildren, Sarah McDurmont Lindley (Bubba), John David McDurmont (Alex), Tyler Brown (Tori), Anna Kate Coleman (William), Corban Crosley (fiancée Kristen Smith), and Maggie Ledford (Colby). She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Emma Kate Lindley, Ward Lindley, Naomi McDurmont, Collins Coleman, and Hudson Brown — all of whom brought her immense joy. In addition, she has living siblings, Pat Holweger and Jim McBrayer, and many dear nieces and nephews whom she loved so well and they also called her “Nana.”

“Nana” was the heart of her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than being present in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her proudest moments were watching them grow and achieve their goals, and simply hearing their voices call her name. Her room was always filled with love — and a basket of toys ready for any child who came to visit.

Betty spent her final days in Andalusia, Alabama, where she passed peacefully on March 19, 2026 at approximately 2 p.m. She would have celebrated her 90th birthday this coming August.

Her roots in Kentucky never left her. She carried a lifelong love for the hills of her childhood and, in later years, enjoyed watching Kentucky basketball, traveling, and spending time with dear friends. A gifted artist, she found great joy in painting and sharing that gift with others. Whether teaching lessons or selling her artwork at local fairs, she used her talents to bring beauty and encouragement to those around her.

Betty will be remembered as a woman of extraordinary kindness and she had such a servant’s heart — one who never held a grudge and extended grace freely to everyone she met. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived each day as a reflection of His grace, humility, and love. She was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need, always putting others before herself.

The family will greet friends on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama from 1-2 p.m., followed by A Service of Thanks to God for Betty's Life at 2 p.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Betty's nephew, Rev. Colby Ledford, will officiate.

Fittingly, Romans 15:13 was written on Betty's last cup of coffee: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.