Minnie Mae Rainey Crosby was born on November 16, 1926, the youngest of eight children to God-fearing parents, Margaret Mae Grandberry and Simeon Rainey. She was raised on a farm a few miles northwest of Moselle, Mississippi in Jones County.
She and her sister Mary attended Jones Jr. College on a basketball scholarship. Her plan to coach girls’ basketball was altered by her high school sweetheart. James Roland Crosby, who grew up on a farm 3 miles away, took her as his loving wife for the next 68 years, until his passing in 2015. Their early years found them in 25 different homes across Louisiana and Mississippi as James’ bridge building work took them from job site to job site. From 1964 to 1978 they finished raising their four children in Jackson, Mississippi. Once empty nested they built their retirement home back on the old home place in Jones County. After James’ passing, Minnie, now Memaw, lovingly called by her 14 grandchildren, lived five more years in Jackson, Alabama and the last two years of her life in Auburn.
All her children and grandchildren know her as the most servant-hearted, unpretentious, humble person we’ve ever known and only hope we can somewhat emulate her Christ-like character. She quietly showed us a powerful example of how to die to self and live totally for the wellbeing of others.
Proverbs 31: 28 and 29 best describes our love and respect for her: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Bobby Roland Crosby (Millie) of Madison, Mississippi, Cathy Crosby Anderson (Russell) of Austin, Texas, and Auburn, Sidney Sim Crosby (Kay) of Jackson, Alabama, and James Dell Crosby (Stella) of Auburn. She and James leave 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She leaves a multitude of friends and admirers across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
We especially thank Marie (“Ree”) Baker, who faithfully cared for Ms. Minnie in her final years at Monarch Estates in Auburn. Also, much thanks to her precious friends at Monarch Estates who always kept a close eye on her. Finally, thank you to the staff of Bethany House of Auburn who gave such loving care the last 4 days of her life.
A visitation with the family will be held at Fairfield Bapt. Church, on July 30 at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of her life at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. At noon there will be a brief graveside service at Soules Chapel UMC cemetery.
Fairfield Baptist Church
942 Moselle-Seminary Rd.
Moselle, MS 39459.
Soules Chapel UMC, 579 Rainey Rd.
Moselle, MS. 39459.
In honor of Ms. Minnie we ask you to consider sending contributions to either the
Alpha Women’s Resource Center
P.O Box 582
Jackson, AL 36545 or
Mercy Medical Ministry of Auburn
1702 Catherine Ct.
Auburn, AL, 36830.