Sally Crews' Obituary
Sally Crews, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Gainesville, Florida on August 24, 2017 at 2:25 am. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 22, 1940.
She attended Harmon Elementary School and she graduated from Oakwood High School in 1958. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida. She was on the University of Florida Pan-Hellenic Council while continuing her studies. Then, in 1979 Sally graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in social studies. She earned her Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University in 1987. She retired from Travis Loften High School after 26 years of teaching world history and social studies. She intuitively understood that to be a great teacher, one must create an environment for discovery. Her students adored her, and her colleagues revered her.
She was a member of the Gainesville Garden Club; Sally loved and nurtured all things green and growing. She was a member of the Gainesville Elks Lodge #990. She was also part of the team that won the North East District Elks Ritual contest in 2011.
She was twice married and divorced to Harry Eugene Crews (June 7, 1935 – March 28, 2012), renowned southern American novelist, playwright, short story writer and essayist. Sally was a gifted and soulful poet. Having lived a life replete with extraordinary challenges, she always believed: Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, and penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. Her sparkling light, compassion and acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine inspiration, which linger and continue to uplift others long after her sharing.
Her son Byron Crews, professor of English at Wright State University, and her grandson, Henry Crews, painter-sculptor, survive her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any individual interested in honoring her memory please do so by making a donation to a children’s charity of your choice.
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