Albert Crews Jr.

Albert Crews Jr., born July 25, 1939, was the 4th child of the union of Albert Crews, Sr. and Erma Peoples Crews. He transcended peacefully from this life to the next on Independence Day, July 4, 2025, at the age of 85. A devoted Christian, Albert began his faith journey at Smith Chapel Baptist Church in Somerville, Tennessee, where his family has worshipped for more than 5 generations.

He attended Fayette County schools and as the son of sharecroppers, his educational prospects were limited. This did not diminish his work ethic, determination, or drive to persevere and led him to Memphis, TN. Albert left farm life for the bright city lights. His father cautioned him that he would soon return, "because you couldn't grow anything in Memphis”. He would eventually prove his father wrong. Along with his young bride, Edna Lee Hay Crews, whom, by the end of his life, he had known for nearly 80 years, grew a family. Married for nearly 60 years, together they would build a legacy of faith, commitment to hard work, service to community, and lifelong learning.

Albert joined the fellowship of Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, where he was a faithful and active member for more than 60 years. This praying father brought his children to church every Sunday, as his spouse often worked weekends. He served his church in many roles. Albert was an Elder, Deacon, Usher, building manager (emergency contact with keys), and responsible for making sure the church was presentable for all activities and services. Over the course of decades, for 6 months out of each year, he drove the church bus. Albert would drive for Sunday school, morning and evening services, youth outings, choir rehearsals, vacation bible school, and visits to senior centers during the holidays. His commitment to faith drove many in the neighborhood to accept Christ. Albert was active in his community and would often use personal time to take elderly members to the grocery store and check on them during the week.

He was a dedicated and punctual employee of the City of Memphis Park Commission for 52 years, where he served as Crew Chief. Albert was always the first to arrive at work. This occurred so often that he was given the keys to open the business each day. He had an amazing work ethic, so rarely absent that he accumulated more than 3 years of sick hours at the time of his retirement.

Albert instilled in his family that education was the great equalizer. Although he was unable to advance his studies, it did not diminish his desire to improve the quality of life for his family. Together with Edna leading the charge, three children were born to this union and four grandsons who would carry the baton in pursuit of higher education with a strong faith foundation.

Preceded in death by his parents, spouse, and siblings Irene Douglas, John Henry Crews, Robert Lee Crews, Earlean Nelson, Jessie Mae Pirtle, and Jonnie B. Crews, Albert is survived by his children Ernestine (Glenn), Justine (Luis), and Albert (Kristin); grandchildren Glenn II (Lauren), Grant, Luis Alexander, and Caleb; step-grandchild Ariel; siblings Marie Walker and Mary Lou Matthews; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was a loving father, a devoted grandfather, and dedicated brother to his siblings. Albert will be remembered as a beacon of love, wisdom, and faith, leaving a legacy for his family and community.

A visitation for Albert will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119. A visitation will occur Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Lake Grove Baptist Church, 265 Leath St., Memphis, TN 38105. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM at Lake Grove Baptist Church, 265 Leath St., Memphis, TN 38105. The burial will take place at Smith Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. Address: 25 Mt. Moriah Dr., Somerville, TN 38068