Mary A. Crosby (Lansing)

Mary Alice Crosby passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Maplewood AFC in Eaton Rapids, Michigan at age 82. She and her twin sister Martha were born December 23, 1934 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to John and Varlee (Taylor) Bryant. The two bundles of joy were a wonderful pre-Christmas gift. They shared a very close twin bond and were fortunate to spend most of their years living in the same neighborhoods.

Mary accepted Christ at an early age and remained a faithful Christian throughout her life. In the early 1950s, Mary joined her heart with Rufus Crosby and their union was blessed with seven children. They headed north from Arkansas with their family to a brief stay in Chicago, Illinois; Muskegon, Michigan; and finally making Lansing, Michigan their home. The family, like several others, were fleeing the cotton fields and mills to work in the automotive industry. Mary was a housewife and a very loving mother who kept her children well groomed, disciplined, well fed, and engulfed in the Word of the Lord.

Mary had many talents such as singing, making things grow, sewing, and creating delicious soul food. In her spare time, she sang in a female group performing at many events and church gatherings. She enjoyed entertaining by making others feel welcomed and telling funny jokes and stories. On top of being a devoted wife and mother, Mary also was a dedicated employee of General Motors for 25 plus years until she retired. This jewel of a woman will be remembered for her beautiful dimpled smile, her love of hats, a giver of kind words, and a helping hand.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Dell Crosby; daughters, Ruth Jefferson, Charlene Crosby, Alberta Morrell, Varlene Crosby, and Shelia (Johnel) Davis; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, her twin sister, Martha Dunlap of Virginia; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and special friends Ruth Hester and Marge Mims.

She was preceded in death by Rufus Crosby; son Paul James Crosby; parents, John and Varlee Bryant; brothers, Osey “Jack” Bryant, Thomas C. Bryant, Oliver D. “OD” Bryant; sisters, Clementine Adams-Stuart and Elsie Harris; and many more relatives.