Mary Jane McFarlan Crews, 99, died peacefully October 16, 2023 in Biloxi, Mississippi, her children by her side.
Mary Jane was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1924, to Grace Spence and William McFarlan. She graduated from Tulsa Central High where she sang in the choir and played softball. In December of that year the United States entered WWII. She aspired to join the WASP (Women’s Air Force Service Pilots), but by the time she learned to fly, they were no longer taking applicants. Instead she became our “Rosie the Riveter”, employed at Douglas Aircraft, working in the tail wing assembly of small light bombers.
She met Sam Crews, a Mississippi native, who was stationed at Camp Gruber in Tulsa. They married in July of 1943 before he went overseas with the 932nd Field Artillery Battalion. After Sam returned home from the war, they started a family and moved to Jackson, where they raised six children.
Mary Jane lived a full life. After her children were grown, she went to work at Howard Brothers and later became an active member of Faith Baptist Church. She was ever fearless and fancied roller coasters and thrill rides. In her 70’s she was white water rafting in Montana and motor cycling in Canada.
In 2022 she moved to Brookdale Assisted Living Facility. There she found a wonderful home where she was loved by both residents and staff. Her family is extremely grateful that she was so happy and blessed her last year of life.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Sam E Crews, her brother John R McFarlan, grandson David W Crews, Jr, and son-in-law James M Rhodes. She is survived by her children, Mary Lee Jones (Johnnie) of Biloxi, David Crews (Gerri) of Jackson, John Crews (Rhonda) of Brandon, Grace Davis (Andy) of Decatur, AL, Melanie Rhodes Murray (Bob) of St. Martin, and Bill Crews (Karen) of Gulfport, 20 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren who adored her.
A memorial service was held at Brookdale on October 20. A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 18 at Lakewood Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Popps Ferry Baptist Church, 2000 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532, or a charity of your choice.
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