Lillian Marie Grigsby Crooks

Lillian Marie Grigsby Crooks, of Paris, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, at the age of 92. Although she embarked on her heavenly journey from the same town where she first graced the earth with her presence on December 14, 1932, the legacy of her love and laughter will resonate far beyond the borders of her hometown.
Lillian, lovingly known as Marie by her friends and family, was a treasured daughter to Henry and Lorine Blackburn Grigsby. Her dedication to family was unwavering, as seen in the countless memories she created with her adored daughter, Carol Gilkey; her stepchildren, Debra (Kenny) Cunningham, Phyllis (Icem) Johnson, and Janet (Homer) Reed; and her five cherished grandchildren, Shayla (Antwan) Bryant, Jaii (Elizabeth) Gilkey, Aaron (Stacy) Speaks, Erik (Denay) Speaks, and Myron Thomas. Additionally, she was a proud great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.
Lillian's life story was enriched by those who held pieces of her heart: her two sisters, Mae Roberts and Anna Marks; her brother, Eugene Grigsby; her three sisters-in-law, Brenda Hart, Patricia Crooks, and Shirley Crooks; her special friend, Margaret Mason; her devoted daughter-in-law, Marsha Williams; and her special son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Morgan Gilkey. Each of these individuals, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, were touched by Lillian's love and kindness.
Her remarkable journey through life was shaped by hard work and dedication, as demonstrated by her valued employment at Dura-Weaver, her committed tenure at the Bluegrass Army Depot, and her cherished time on the dietary staff of Bourbon Heights Nursing Home prior to her well-earned retirement. A devout Christian, Lillian was an active and longtime member of Zion Baptist Church, where her faith was both a personal compass and a source of inspiration for others.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Grant D. Crooks; her son, Frank Speaks, Jr.; her parents, Henry and Lorine Grigsby; her sisters, Carolyn Higgins and Margaret Wheeler; and her brothers, George and Charles Grigsby, Lillian now joins those who passed before in eternal rest.
She will forever be remembered as a loving, funny, and friendly soul-a woman who cherished each moment with her family and evoked smiles from everyone she encountered. Lillian's story does not end with her passing; it continues in the hearts she touched, the family she nurtured, and the community she loved. She leaves behind a patchwork of precious memories-a testament to a life brimming with love, faith, and joy.
It is not goodbye, but a gentle "until we meet again" for Lillian Marie Grigsby Crooks, whose spirit will continue to guide and comfort us in the days to come.
Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Morgan Gilkey, Pastor James Thurman and Rev. Aaron Crumbie at 12:00 PM Monday December 1, 2025, at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. Burial to follow in the Evergreen Memory Gardens, Paris, KY.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM Monday December 1, 2025, until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Jaii Gilkey, Aaron Speaks, Erik Speaks, Chad Roberts, Myrin Roberts, Charles Watkins, Gene Watkins and Icem Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be the Zion Baptist Church family.
Special thank you to Taffney Amburgy, Dr. Scott Pierce and the Hematology/Oncology Cancer staff.
The arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main Street, Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.com and a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.