Judy Thrift Crews

Hickox - Judy Michelle Thrift Crews, 61, of Nahunta, Georgia, died October 4, 2011 at home following an extended illness. She exhibited courage and dignity throughout her four year battle with cancer. She was a loving wife and mother and a doting "Grandma" to her grandchildren. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Gene Crews of Nahunta; one daughter, Jeanna Crews Weldon of Tifton; one son, Jeremy E. Crews of Nahunta; two grandchildren, Anna Michelle and Macy Michelle Weldon of Tifton; her mother, Ollie Rooks Thrift of Nahunta; three sisters: Marcia (Don) Simpson, Debra (Mark) Ashworth, Sandy (Chris) Spell; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Born in Dodge County and raised in Brantley County, she was the daughter of Ollie Thrift and the late Paul Thrift. She was a member of Hickox Baptist Church and remained active in church until her illness made it impossible for her to attend. She loved her church family and enjoyed singing in the choir and playing the piano for her church. Judy Crews enjoyed a 25 year career as a Georgia educator. She taught many subjects at the elementary and middle school level. While math was favorite subject to teach, her love was for the children. She touched the lives not only of the hundreds of students she taught but the families of the students as well. Mrs. Crews tutored students after school and was even helping her great niece just a few months ago with her 6th grade math. Her teaching style was to love the child first then teach the child. She was a kind and honorable woman and gathered friends wherever she went. She enjoyed camping, spending time with her family, and reading to her grandchildren. She was a most generous woman who found joy in helping others. She was a good woman, well-loved by all who knew her, and will be missed by everyone. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 6, at Frye Funeral Home from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Hickox Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Hendrix, Rev. Raymond Willis, and Bicknell Manor. She will be buried at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brian Ashworth, Matthew Kuechmann, Trey Simpson, Jason Beard, Tony Crews, and Chad Crews. Honorary pallbearers will be her fellow teachers and her Adult Ladies Sunday School class from Hickox Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, Judy's family requests that donations be made in her memory to Hospice of Golden Isles, Inc., 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525 or to your local church. Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.