Kathy Choate Crenshaw

Kathleen Crenshaw, 90 of Davenport FL went to her final rest on July 27, 2017. Kathy was born November 12, 1926 to Omer and Eva Mae Reeves in Reevesville, IL. She moved to Chicago and married James D. Choate on November 5, 1949. In 2001 she married Elmus Lee Crenshaw, a former high school sweetheart. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years James D. Choate, her husband of 12 years Elmus Crenshaw, her parents and three infant brothers. She is survived by her daughter Mary (John) Reilly of Davenport Florida, her beloved grandchildren Jason, Daniel, Jessica, Brent, Jennifer and John and her five great grandchildren Liam, Charlotte, Michael, Angelina and Aidan as well as many cherished friends. Kathy attended Reevesville Elementary School and New Columbia High School. After graduation she moved to Chicago and lived there for many years, first in Chicago then in Country Club Hills, a suburb. She was employed for by Spalding Sporting Goods and then by United States Gypsum Company where she worked in Data Processing and Information Services until retiring. She shattered glass ceilings as one of the very few women in management in her company and received many honors for her leadership role at USG. After retirement she returned to Southern Illinois and became a member of First Baptist Church, Vienna. There she worked as church secretary for several years and also served as treasurer, Sunday School teacher, church clerk, member of the choir and in the food pantry. Kathy remained a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and was thrilled to see them win the 2016 World Series, watching every game on TV! A funeral service honoring the life of Kathy Choate Crenshaw will be conducted at 12 Noon Friday, August 4, 2017, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Dr. Ed Hollis will officiate. Burial will be in the Reevesville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 AM – 12 Noon Friday August 4, 2017 at Bailey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Reevesville Cemetery, c/o Bruce Cummins, 9 Chick St., Metropolis, IL 62960 or to the First Baptist Church (Food Pantry Program), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, IL 62995. To share a memory of Kathy or to leave a message of condolence for her family, please visit www.baileyfh.com

Kathy Choate Crenshaw

November 12, 1926 - July 27, 2017