Jean Crenshaw

1930 - 2025

Jean Crenshaw

Born: April 29, 1930 | Died: January 19, 2025

Born on April 29, 1930, at GarrettMemorial Hospital in Crossnore, to Gurney and Alda Franklin, Jean was a lifetime resident of the Linville Falls Community. Jean met the love of her life, Rodger Crenshaw, at Crossnore High School. They were married on January 14th, 1950, and were happily married until Rodger's death in 1993. She was precededin death by Boyd Franklin (brother), and grandsons Michael and Robert Crenshaw.

Jean was a faithful member of the Linville Falls Community Church where she taught Sunday School, played the piano, was the Building Fund treasurer, sang in the choir, and served on many committees. She worked many years for the Avery County School System and after retiring, was instrumental in helping establish RAM (Reaching Avery Ministries). She served on the RAM Board of Directors for over 20 years as well as being a volunteer and bookkeeper. She had a heart of gold foranyone in need.Jean received several awards for her work as a volunteer, including The Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service from Governor Jim Hunt and several local awards. She possessed a quiet dignity and had a reserved demeanor, usually working behind the scenes, serving as God's hands and feet.

Jean was an avid traveler, both domestic and abroad. She and her main travel companion, Roberta Aldridge, had many wonderful times and adventures together. The highlight of her travels was her trip to the Holy Land, where "I walked where Jesus walked". She made it to all 50 states, most of them with Christian Tours, and several overseas countries, including a trip to Honduras with Church World Services. She lived life to the fullest and appreciated all that God blessed her with.

Jean was well known for her kindness, grace, compassion, and love of her family and friends up until the end. Left to treasure these attributes are her children; sons, Bobby (Shea),Johnny (Becky), Roddy (Miriam), and daughter Pam Calloway (Jerry);Grandchildren, Jason (Holly), Sarah Doby (John), Brady (Ashley), Hannah Arnett (Joey), Holly Hoppe (Steven), Benjamin (Carrie), Caroline Edwards (John), and Madison Fahn (Jeremy) and thirteen great-grandchildren, neice Leigh Anne Russ and dear friend Nancy Barnes.

A celebration of her precious life will be held in the Spring. Two of her favorite service organizations were RAM (PO Box 234 Newland, NC 28657) and Samaritan's Purse (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607), for anyone wishing to make a memorial in her honor.