Anna Louise Bailey Crow, a native and lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama, born February 18, 1924, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Residence of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James Kenny Crow, Sr., her parents Christopher Carroll Bailey, Sr. and Vernonia Steber Bailey; her siblings Margaret Bailey Stein, Christopher Carroll Bailey, Jr., Joseph Ellis Bailey, Rosemary Bailey and Catherine Bailey Forrest; her daughter Vernona “Nonie” Carol Reed; and her grandson Robin Bailey Baggett.
Anna is survived by her children Anne Crow Baggett, Margaret Crow Bender (Gavin), Virginia “Ginger” Crow Drago (Keith), James Kenny Crow, Jr. (Marty) and Dr. Joseph Moniac Crow (Jamie); son-in-law Henry “Hank” Reed; 18 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren.
After graduating from the Convent of Mercy, Class of 1941, Anna taught Kindergarten at St. Catherine School and Physical Education at the Convent of Mercy. She coached girls volleyball, basketball and Field Day events at St. Catherine School.
Anna’s involvement in many parish and archdiocesan volunteer programs were many including: President of the Mobile District Council of Catholic Women, President of the Mobile Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, Priests Burse Club, Toy Bowl Activities, Ladies of Charity, Little Sisters of the Poor Auxiliary, President of Providence Hospital Auxiliary, the building of the Ecumenical Chapel at Providence Hospital, Tricentennial Faith Celebration Committee, St Catherine Siena Club and St. Ignatius Daughters of Mary.
She was selected to the McGill- Toolen Hall of Fame Class of 2002 and in 2005 the Kenny and Anna Crow Fitness Center at McGill-Toolen was dedicated in her and her late husband’s honor. Anna was a recognized as the outstanding Alumni for the Convent of Mercy. She was privileged to be chosen as an Affiliate member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
In 1972, Anna became part of The Catholic Week Staff starting as office manager, then managing editor and business manager to becoming editor in 1985. She achieved admirable stature and recognition from her peers in the media on local and national levels.
After Anna retired, she compiled books on the history of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Visitation Monastery, Carmelite Monastery, The Portier House and the Little Sisters of the Poor, Sacred Heart Residence with the last being completed in her 91st Year.
Her lifetime of service in furthering the Catholic Mission in the Archdiocese of Mobile was recognized when she was honored with the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” Medal from Pope Saint John Paul II.
Anna’s service to her Faith, family and all those who became a part of her life was always met with a sweet smile and caring heart. We are grateful to God for the gift she was.
Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Little Sisters of the Poor and their loving staff for the remarkable care given to their Mother. They request memorials be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, Sacred Heart Residence, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, St. Ignatius Building Fund or to the charity of your choice.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 18 at St. Ignatius Church, 3704 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608. Visitation 9:00-10:30, Eulogy 10:45 and Funeral Mass 11:00. Interment will follow in Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile, AL.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Crow family.
