Official Obituary of
JoAnn Hammond Crews
January 18, 2019
JoAnn Crews Obituary
JoAnn Hammond Crews died at her home, Friday, January 18, 2019, after a long illness.
JoAnn was born July 26, 1933, in Eagle Lake, Florida. Her family soon moved to Miami where she and her older brother, Gene, struggled through an adverse childhood of poverty and neglect. At the age of twelve, JoAnn went to live in Enigma, GA, with her aunt, Mary Hammond McMillan, and her husband, Pearly McMillan, on the Hammond Family farm. Aunt Mary was generous and loving, but also firm and disciplined, and this is where JoAnn learned her lifelong ethics of hard work and self-improvement.
Though work on the farm was an endless combination of picking cotton and tobacco, cooking, cleaning, sewing and whatever else was requested of her, JoAnn went on to graduate, in 1950, as the Valedictorian of Enigma High School. She received a college scholarship and attended Norman Junior College in Norman Park, GA, and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Education and a double minor in Mathematics and Music from Mercer University in Macon, GA
It was at Mercer that she met her husband of 64 years, Tommy Crews. Tommy and JoAnn were married on June 6, 1954, and moved to Augusta, GA, where Tommy was completing his Medical Degree. In 1960, the Crews moved to Covington, GA, where Tommy began his career in private practice. JoAnn continued her education by receiving a Master's in Library Science from the University of Georgia. JoAnn taught advanced Algebra and Trigonometry at both Newton County High School and Langford High School, in Augusta, after the family returned there for Tommy to specialize in Cardiology. An avid basketball player, she coached the Langford High School girls Varsity High School team. JoAnn also worked at Forrest Hill Elementary School, in Augusta, as the Librarian for 3 years.
JoAnn was known for her unrelenting attention to detail and strived for perfection in all her endeavors. One can see that dedication just by taking a stroll through the gardens that surround her home on every side, or by attending one of her once common dinner parties or luncheons. Those who knew her best may describe her as opinionated and a bit stern at times, but those traits would only arise out of a place of love and concern for all those close to her heart.
She had stated an opinion years ago, that she hoped her obituary wouldn't say something like, "She was a good cook". So, let it be said that she was an extraordinary cook, entertainer, gardener, educator, organizer, basketball player, genealogist and antique aficionado. She was extraordinary at every single thing she put her tremendous mind and energy into, but most notably as a wife and mother who will be missed everyday by her loved ones. Peace be with you forever, JoAnn.
JoAnn Hammond Crews is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas L. Crews, MD, of Covington, GA; her son, Dr. Thomas L. Crews, Jr., of Seattle, WA; her daughter, Jo Ellen Crews Little (husband, Chuck) of Eatonton, GA; and her 2 grandchildren, Ashley Crews Little of Los Angeles, CA, and Charles Hammond (Beau) Little of Eatonton, GA.
A Memorial Service for Mrs. Crews will be held Monday, January 21, 2019, 2:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 3134 Floyd Street, in Covington, with Rev. Paul Wade and The Rev. Louly Hay officiating. Family will receive friends following the memorial service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that your words of condolence be mailed to P.O. Box 27, Covington, GA 30015.
3134 Floyd Street NE
Covington, GA, 30014
3134 Floyd Street NE
Covington, GA, 30014
JoAnn was born July 26, 1933, in Eagle Lake, Florida. Her family soon moved to Miami where she and her older brother, Gene, struggled through an adverse childhood of poverty and neglect. At the age of twelve, JoAnn went to live in Enigma, GA, with her aunt, Mary Hammond McMillan, and her husband, Pearly McMillan, on the Hammond Family farm. Aunt Mary was generous and loving, but also firm and disciplined, and this is where JoAnn learned her lifelong ethics of hard work and self-improvement.
Though work on the farm was an endless combination of picking cotton and tobacco, cooking, cleaning, sewing and whatever else was requested of her, JoAnn went on to graduate, in 1950, as the Valedictorian of Enigma High School. She received a college scholarship and attended Norman Junior College in Norman Park, GA, and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Education and a double minor in Mathematics and Music from Mercer University in Macon, GA
It was at Mercer that she met her husband of 64 years, Tommy Crews. Tommy and JoAnn were married on June 6, 1954, and moved to Augusta, GA, where Tommy was completing his Medical Degree. In 1960, the Crews moved to Covington, GA, where Tommy began his career in private practice. JoAnn continued her education by receiving a Master's in Library Science from the University of Georgia. JoAnn taught advanced Algebra and Trigonometry at both Newton County High School and Langford High School, in Augusta, after the family returned there for Tommy to specialize in Cardiology. An avid basketball player, she coached the Langford High School girls Varsity High School team. JoAnn also worked at Forrest Hill Elementary School, in Augusta, as the Librarian for 3 years.
JoAnn was known for her unrelenting attention to detail and strived for perfection in all her endeavors. One can see that dedication just by taking a stroll through the gardens that surround her home on every side, or by attending one of her once common dinner parties or luncheons. Those who knew her best may describe her as opinionated and a bit stern at times, but those traits would only arise out of a place of love and concern for all those close to her heart.
She had stated an opinion years ago, that she hoped her obituary wouldn't say something like, "She was a good cook". So, let it be said that she was an extraordinary cook, entertainer, gardener, educator, organizer, basketball player, genealogist and antique aficionado. She was extraordinary at every single thing she put her tremendous mind and energy into, but most notably as a wife and mother who will be missed everyday by her loved ones. Peace be with you forever, JoAnn.
JoAnn Hammond Crews is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas L. Crews, MD, of Covington, GA; her son, Dr. Thomas L. Crews, Jr., of Seattle, WA; her daughter, Jo Ellen Crews Little (husband, Chuck) of Eatonton, GA; and her 2 grandchildren, Ashley Crews Little of Los Angeles, CA, and Charles Hammond (Beau) Little of Eatonton, GA.
A Memorial Service for Mrs. Crews will be held Monday, January 21, 2019, 2:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 3134 Floyd Street, in Covington, with Rev. Paul Wade and The Rev. Louly Hay officiating. Family will receive friends following the memorial service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that your words of condolence be mailed to P.O. Box 27, Covington, GA 30015.
Memorial Service
JAN 21. 2:00 PM (EST)
Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home - Floyd Street Location3134 Floyd Street NE
Covington, GA, 30014
Visitation
JAN 21. 3:00 PM (EST)
Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home - Floyd Street Location3134 Floyd Street NE
Covington, GA, 30014
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