Marilyn Marie Crews

Mrs. Crews was born in Ash Grove, Kansas, on December 25, 1935. Daughter of Harry Wells and Marie Hill Wells, she grew up among the grain elevators and limestone of Central and Western Kansas. After living for a time in Colorado to attend business college, she returned to Salina, Kansas, where she met William “Bill” Crews. They were married in February 1961, and their daughter, Shawn, was born later that year. Shawn was her only child, but Shawn’s best friend, Doug Moden, became like a son. Mrs. Crews and her husband were active and valued members of the community for many years. After her husband’s retirement, they later moved to Denton, Texas.

After Bill passed away in 1991, Mrs. Crews moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to live with her daughter’s family and help care for her two granddaughters. She was present for every recital, performance, and athletic event, as well as most practices and rehearsals in between. She taught them to love country music, beautiful shoes, and animals. She sewed dozens of costumes for Halloween, recitals, and pageants, drove thousands of miles to school and her granddaughters’ activities, and prepared unnumbered bowls of mac and cheese. Even her granddaughters’ friends called her “Grandma.”

In recent years, she became “Gigi” to three great-grandchildren who adored her. On visits to North Carolina and, later, Wintergreen, Virginia, they always looked forward to sneaking down to her sitting room for jelly beans, orange slices, and funny stories.

A lifelong Republican, Mrs. Crews was active in politics in Kansas and North Carolina. She served as a party organizer and delegate, and campaigned for countless candidates, including Ronald Reagan (three times!), Bob Dole (for Senate and President), Elizabeth Dole (for Senate), and above all, her husband (for County Attorney). She stood up for what she believed in because she loved her country. That same love led her to serve in the PTA at Coronado Elementary and Salina South High School, and, later, as a volunteer for the USO.

Mrs. Crews also loved people. At various times in her life, she worked as a legal secretary for Bill’s firm, an account representative and officer for First National Bank, an award-winning saleswoman for Bell South, and a hospital receptionist. These roles drew on her gifts for connecting with people. No matter where she was—in an empty field in rural North Carolina, or on a busy sidewalk in midtown Manhattan—someone would find her and confide in her. She became a collector of life stories and life-long friends.

Mrs. Crews was witty and irreverent, but what drew people to her was the sense of joy always lurking beneath the surface. She did not take herself too seriously and insisted that those around her not take themselves too seriously, either. A skilled bridge player, she would only play what she called “Giggle Bridge.” Bring a problem to her, and she would offer much-needed perspective: “Will anyone know the difference in 100 years?” Then, she would offer a solution. She was such a renowned problem-solver that “Grandma fix” became a standard refrain in her daughter’s home. She cared deeply and knew how to reassure those around her that it is all going to be alright. A Christmas baby, she was a gift to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Shawn Marie Crews Nix & her husband Shannon (of Virginia), granddaughter Kelsey Nix & her husband Matt Safford (of North Carolina), granddaughter Haley Proctor & her husband Scott (of Indiana), great-grandchildren Michael, Henry, and Margaret Proctor, sister Martha Jump (of Iowa), and brothers-in-law Earl Crews & his wife Risa, Larry Crews & his wife Carolyn, and Phillip Crews & his wife Jana (all of Texas). She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother.

Her family will hold memorial services at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangement have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com