Mary Elizabeth Crews

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Crews, 88, of Bartow, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at her residence. Born September 19, 1919 in Live Oak, Florida Mrs. Crews was a resident of Bartow 15 yrs, moving from Live Oak. She was an honor student and cheerleader at Suwannee High School in Live Oak. She earned a degree in Religious Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX; While at the Seminary she was on the Dean's List. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Rev. Woodrow Crews. As a pastor's wife, Mrs. Crews served the Lord in Texas, Washington State, Pennsylvania & Florida. Mrs. Crews served as the church secretary for the First Baptist Church of Live Oak for sixteen years. Mrs. Crews was responsible for organizing the Baptist Girls Auxiliary in Washington State, Oregon & Canada. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bartow. She is survived by her three daughters: Carole & Husband Bruce Harrison of Clemmons, N.C.; Ginger & husband Cliff Garner of Bartow; & Marie Crews also of Bartow; sister-in-law: Evelyn Locke of Live Oak, Fla.; 5 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Saturday, April 26, 10-11 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will follow at 11 am at the funeral home with Rev. Ron Burks & Rev. Frank Brooks officiating. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow. Memorials to:Florida Baptist Children's Homes P.O. Box 8190 Lakeland, FL 33802 or Good Shepherd Hospice 105 Arneson Ave. Auburndale, FL 33823. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com