Elsie Ann Crews

The family of Elsie will celebrate her life of 88 years at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00AM. Celebration of life will be 11:00AM. Elsie passed away on April 13, 2022. Doctor Rick Marshall will officiate the service. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend.

Elsie Ann Crews was the daughter of George Arnette Gibson and Gladys Clonts Gibson, both of whom preceded her in death. Elsie had two brothers, Harold Gibson and Leland Gibson. Both brothers also preceded her in death. Elsie was born September 21, 1933 in Selma Alabama. She graduated from Parrish High School June 4, 1951.

For many years Elsie worked in the banking industry in Selma and Montgomery Alabama. In 1968, Elsie and Thomas Crews started a construction supply business in Montgomery, Alabama. Construction Materials became a leading supplier to the construction industry throughout the southeast. Eventually, there were 20 warehouses across six states, employing over 300 employees. Elsie began the business being over the accounting portion of the business. She ended her career still signing the accounts payable checks each Wednesday until age 85. Elsie was celebrated with a poignant surprise 50-year retirement party in 2018. She was a favorite of employees and vendors alike who loved her warmth, charm and humility. Employees made her day by stopping in to chat with her each week. She loved them and was loved by them.

A special part of Elsie’s life was her church family at Eastern Hills Baptist Church. She was an active member for 17 years. During those years, she acquired many dear and lifelong friends. Some of her activities included working with the women’s events, visiting door to door with others to tell strangers about Christ, decorating the church for various celebrations, attending her beloved Sunday School class where she helped plan, decorate, and cook for countless gatherings.

Elsie’s generous spirit loved giving anonymously to many of the church youth to go to camp and/ or have Christmas gifts delivered during the holiday season. Wednesday night activities of dinner, fellowship and worship each week was always a favorite of hers. She surrounded herself with like-minded friends who ministered to her life until her final days on earth.

Elsie was an avid bridge player, enjoyed lake activities, time on the beach and collecting nick-nacks all along the way. She enjoyed helping her local community by volunteering with Pink Ladies at local hospitals and serving as a docent with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and countless other projects.

Elsie enjoyed spending time at her home in Warm Springs, Georgia. Many laughs and memories were shared there with friends and family. Love, laughter and delicious food aromas always filled the air.

Elsie was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She embraced each of those roles with love and kindness. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her tremendous joy and happiness. Elsie had a servant’s heart and always thought of others ahead of herself. She was a gentle and loving spirit who will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. She was quick witted and always had a smile to greet whomever she might meet.

Elsie is survived by three children and their spouses: John Crews, Greg Crews and wife Judy, Ann West and husband Thomas.

Elsie, lovingly remembered as “Nana”, was also survived by ten grandchildren: John Crews Jr. and wife Leigh Ann, Thomas Crews and wife Katie, Chandler Crews, Harris Crews and Mason Crews. Greg Crews Jr. and wife Haley, Chad Crews and wife Kathryn. Taylor West, Zach West and wife Dayle and Nicki West.

She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Mackenzi Crews, Tripp Crews, George Crews, Lucy Crews, Madelyn Crews, Trey Crews and Ann Archer Crews.

She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and countless beloved relatives.

Elsie’s faith shown its brightest during her darkest moments as she loved and mentored caretakers and residents alike. Even when all else physically was failing, her kindness and joy never dulled. It was a true testimony of who she was in life. Jesus never fails.

Elsie’s family would like to thank Lavender Springs and Halcyon Hospice of Austin for their loving care during Elsie’s last days. Also, special thanks to Emma, Marcela, and Lucia for their true love and devotion to Elsie’s every need.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are to Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, or Intouch Inc - A local charitable organization supplying life saving smoke detectors. P.O. Box 210999, Montgomery, Alabama 36121.