Margaret Levon Crews

Margaret Levon Gaither Crews, lovingly known as “Mema,” passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born in Cullman County, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late William Eursie Gaither and Vera Arzonia Abbott Gaither. On March 20, 1954, she married Charles Edward “Bud” Crews, and together they raised three sons.

Mema’s life reflected her deep love for the Lord and for others. She gave freely to anyone in need, offering whatever she had without hesitation. Her compassion extended to the homeless, the broken, and those who felt forgotten. She welcomed them with kindness, reminded them that she cared, and pointed them to the truth that Jesus cared for them even more.

Her faith shaped every part of her life. She read the Scriptures, lived by their teachings, and stood firmly by what she believed. She also had a gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved—as though they were her favorite.

Mema especially loved gathering her family around her table. She could cook, and nothing brought her greater joy than preparing a good meal, sharing conversation, and making memories with those she loved. Around her table, people were nourished in more ways than one. Her warmth, generosity, and steady love made others feel at home, and her example will continue to bless her family for generations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward “Bud” Crews; her son, David Wayne Crews; her sisters, Mary Lou Parsons, Wynell Hamm, Patricia Garner, and Hazel Babson; and her brothers, Clifton Gaither and Manuel Gaither.

She is survived by her sons, Charles (Sherry) Crews and Tim (Betty) Crews; daughter-in-law, Karen Elias Crews; brother, Charles Gaither; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her grandchildren, Shannon (Blair) Joiner, Chad (Ashley) Crews, Allison (Michael) Baldree, and Jessica Madelyn Hutto. She also loved her bonus grandchildren, Jessica (Adam) Willis and Josh Giddens.

Her great-grandchildren are Taylor (Jason) Roland, Margaret (Michael) Powell, Brayden Joiner, Bryce Crews, Gavin Crews, Hayden Crews, Klayton Crews, Corbin Hutto, Addie Crews, and Henley Crews. Her special great-grandchildren are Hunter (Kaylee) Gutierrez, Cody Gutierrez, Ashton Gutierrez, and Landon Willis.

Her great-great-grandchildren are Bryleigh Renee Joiner and Emersyn Blair Smith. She also eagerly anticipated the arrival of sweet Madlyn Rae, expected in December. Her bonus babies include Kaiden Gutierrez and Izzy.

Mema leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a family shaped by her love, a table that welcomed and nourished many, and a faith she lived with courage and conviction. Her generosity taught others to notice those who were hurting, her devotion demonstrated the importance of family, and her life showed that love is most powerful when it is freely given and faithfully lived.

She will be deeply missed, but her influence will remain in the lives she touched and in the generations who carry her example forward. The family finds comfort in knowing that the woman who spent her life pointing others toward Jesus is now resting in the arms of Jesus.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Pallbearers

Shannon Joiner, Chad Crews, Allison Baldree, Jessica Hutto, Brayden Joiner, Bryce Crews and Ray Paulk.

Special Friends

Ray Paulk, Tina Register, Carol Osteen, Mary Stone Brown, Amy Garner and Eula Foskey.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to South Georgia Medical Center ICU, SGMC Lanier Campus, SGMC Health Villa, and Little Block Holiness Church for their care, prayers, and kindness.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 12, 2026 in the Lakeland Chapel of Music Funeral Services. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Burial to follow at Nashville Memorial Gardens. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservice.com. The Crews family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.