Carolyn Ann Gilliam Crow
November 9, 1936 – January 3, 2016
“Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter3.
Carolyn Gilliam Crow passed into eternal life on Sunday, January 3, 2016 in her home with her daughters by her side. Her Life Tribute Celebration will be 1p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2016 at A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive, College Station. Officiating is Pastor John Reasons. A reception will follow the service at the Pebble Creek Country Club.
Carolyn Ann Gilliam was born in Sparkman, Arkansas to Olin Dunn and Lucille Fite Gilliam on November 9, 1936. She grew up in a home filled with music, art, faith and lots of love. Her family was humble, loving and very generous to everyone, which molded her gracious character. She married her high school sweetheart, John David Crow, on July 2, 1954, in Springhill, Louisiana. Their loving marriage was admired and a model for many to follow. They moved many times to follow John David’s football career but Carolyn always created a home of warmth and unconditional love for the family. She always wanted everyone around her to shine although she was truly the light. Carolyn was a lady of grace, elegance, and love for her family and friends.
Preceding her in death are her husband, of 61 years of marriage, John David Crow; her son John David Crow Jr.; her parents Olin and Lucille Gilliam; her brothers Bill Gilliam, Eddie Gilliam and her sister Marilyn Pedigo.
She is survived by her daughters Annalisa Stenklyft and husband Jay, Jeannie Pietrowiak and her husband Ken; her daughter in-law Janice Oliver Crow; her adored grandchildren Christa Crow Ketchum and husband Michael, Sarah Beth Crow Eady and husband Michael, Tommy Perry and wife Angela, Anthony Stenklyft and wife Jessica, David Stenklyft and wife Patti, Avery Pietrowiak and James Pietrowiak; her great grandchildren Courtlyn, John David, Addison Grace, Charlie, Abram, Joanna, Jude, Margaret, and one more great-grandson on the way; her sister Jeanne Arnold; and other relatives and close friends.
Honorary pallbearers are Jay Stenklyft, Ken Pietrowiak, James Pietrowiak, David Stenklyft, Anthony Stenklyft and Tommy Perry
Carolyn’s family asked that memorial gifts be given to A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive, College Station, Texas 77845.
You may express condolences at callawayjones.com
Dear Annalisa and Jeannie,
Your mother was not only my cousin but also my dear friend, literally going back to our childhood. She was a beautiful lady and her kind and soft demeanor were so inspirational. I always looked forward to seeing her when we had a family get together. I especially remember the times that all of you would come to your grandparents’ home in Fordyce when you lived in Pine Bluff. These memories I will always cherish.
I had a wonderful and long telephone conversation with your mother just a few weeks ago, and I am so glad for that. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Also know how much I loved both your parents. I’ve admired them both for virtually my entire life.
Please accept my greatest sympathy,
Jack
Bill and I are so sorry to learn of Carolyn’s death. Please know you are now surrounded by the love your mother and father gave to so many. They still live in who you are!
Jay and family, Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family! Please let us know what we can do to help during this very difficult time!
Your MIFAB Family
Annelisa & Jeanne and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Carolyn. She was one of the sweetest ladies. She and John David will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. ‘
Amy Bond
Jeanne and family,
I’m so sad to hear of your momma’s passing. She was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. Your momma was the epitome of a southern lady! Everything was always lovely, warm and inviting wherever she was. I know all of you will miss her so much. I can only imagine your parents reunion when your momma got to heaven with your daddy.
Love and prayers!
Christian LeBus Avera
Dear Annalisa, Jay and Family?
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We always enjoyed both your mom and dad when they would visit your home in Tyler. The way you describe your mother is beautiful and exact. We are so sorry for the lose of your mother and father both. There’s comfort in knowing they are together again.
Love , prayers and peace to you all
Jerry, Jane and family
Annalisa and Jeannie, you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly…but even in this sad time I smile thinking of your dad waiting at the gates of heaven for your mother…they were so devoted to each other, and now they are together again! My love and hugs to all of you from a distance! Carol
To the entire family of Carolyn Crow:
I am very sorry to hear the news about Carolyn. I have known her since we were in grade school together in Denison, TX and later while she, John David and I were at A&M together in 1954 through 1958. They were good people and left us much too soon.
Don
To the whole family, we have so very many fond memories of being with John and Carolyn. They are still true blessings in our lives. We have missed them and will continue to miss them always.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barbara and Charley
I have just learned of the death of my dear friend, Carolyn. I can hardly believe it. I was so sad when
John David passed away and am thankful I did write to Carolyn. I hope she received it. I know you girls do not know who I am, but Carolyn and I were best friends in High School. My deceased husband and John played football and basketball together and the four of us had many wonderful times. I was there when your brother was born and gave blood to your Mom. We were at each other’s small weddings in Springhill and kept up with each other for many years. She was the sweetest person I think I have ever known. It appears she and your Dad had a wonderful life and for that I am so thankful and I am sure you girls were a big reason for that. Please accept my sincere condolences for both your losses. I will keep your families in my prayers.
I am the daughter of Bill Crow of Marion,La. who can recall having John David over with other men he was to be associated with at ULM at mother’s and Daddy’s home on Park Avenue in Monroe. John David stated that he and his beautiful wife,Carolyn had never lived one location for that length of time. Daddy was so very proud of John David and all of his many gifts playing football etc. I’ll never forget hearing of the one son accident in Alabama. What a tragic occurence to such fine people as Carolyn and John David. Wish we had visited before and bring back happy occasions and family reunions together. I’ve attempted to have another Crow reunion and better before Linda and James move permantely to NC. They are presently living in Mother’s and Daddy’s home on Lake Darbonne with all those many cherished memories! I do intend on contacting the two remaining daughters if at all possible. I still teach Art to elementary children in Ouachita parish and nearing 80 years young. Love it, love it, love it! May these two girls know how many their parents touched in their life times and are joining Juanita and Bill Crow in Heaven. God is good! Gayle Crow Baldree