Jean was born to parents Joseph Ellis Crowson and Mae Ileyne Queen Crowson. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Thomas Powell Crowson, Celia Bernice Nix Crowson, John Marion Queen, and Rutha Alice Ashley Queen; her parents Joseph Ellis Crowson and Mae Ileyne Queen Crowson; her first husband and father of her children Bobby Gene Knowles; sisters Alice Faye Crowson Lucas Melvin, Doris Marie Crowson Carter, Betty Jo Crowson, and Wanda Sharon Crowson Holcomb; brothers Charles Ellis Crowson, Marion Thomas Crowson, Edgar Lee Crowson, and Joe Franklin Crowson; as well as several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Jean is survived by second husband, Dennis Leroy Gurley, children James Micheal Knowles (Tina), Janet Michele Knowles Daniels (Charles R. “Chuck”); grandchildren Whitney Nicole Daniels Smith Shepherd (Glen), Corey Micheal Knowles (Kelli), Joshua Jordan Daniels (Megan), and Codey Matthew Knowles; great-grandchildren Kyley Michele Smith, Shaelyn Grace Daniels, Easton Malachi Daniels, Laikynn Rosalie Daniels, Knox Micheal Knowles, and Zoe Kate Knowles; stepchildren Vicki Lynn Gurley Race and Michael Eugene Gurley; step-grandchildren Jennifer Rae Gurley and Amber Nicole Race Kierman (Trey); step-great-grandchildren Ashley Kate Sanspree, Maci Rose Gurley, and Ridge Johnson Kierman; sisters Barbara Ann Crowson Backes and Linda Guenett Crowson McKinney (Jimmy); brother Jerry Wayne Crowson; sisters-in-law Peggy Watson Crowson and Flora Jean Attaway Crowson; brother-in-law Doug Holcomb; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Jean was number 7 of 12 children. She graduated from Thompson High School in Alabaster, AL. She was the first in her family to graduate. She married Bobby Gene Knowles on July 29, 1960, in Montevallo, AL, and had 2 children, Mike and Michele. Bobby died suddenly at work at the age of 41 years. Jean was now aged 34 years with 2 young children. She became the strength and security of her young family.
Jean later married Dennis Leroy Gurley on August 11, 1976, in Birmingham, AL, and took on the role as family coordinator. She cooked and cleaned, and she made sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. She was known for her fabulous cooking and baking skills. She baked cakes and goodies for her friends, family, and church. She was a faithful member of Kimberly Baptist Church in Morris until her health didn’t permit. She then faithfully watched Gardendale First Baptist Church services on TV.
She was generous to a fault and loved with her whole heart. To know her was to love her. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She lit up when they walked into a room. She always passed out candy, and they passed out hugs. Her life as a wife, mother, mother-in-law, granny, gigi, sister, and friend as well as her love and faith in the Lord are her greatest legacies. She will leave us with a void that will never be filled, but the memories and good times we will cherish forever. She will be missed, but we will see her again in Heaven. She will be waiting with open arms.
Pallbearers: Michael Eugene Gurley, Corey Micheal Knowles, Codey Matthew Knowles, Charles “Chuck” Daniels, Joshua Jordan Daniels, Glen Shepherd, Easton Malachi Daniels, and Knox Micheal Knowles.
Brother Gene Frederick officiating.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.
Mrs. Gurley will be laid to rest in Salem Cemetery, Calera, AL.
We would like to thank the kind people from Compassus Hospice for their tender loving care: Rick Williams, Stachia Medders, Patricia Bart, Melissa Bryant, Chad Sentell and Laura Garcia.
We would also like to thank Michelle and Bryan McCoy and Megan Daniels for furnishing meals during this time. We thank all our family members for the around-the-clock care and support. We are stronger together.
If you would like to donate in lieu of flowers, please make your donations to St Jude Hospital, Shriners Hospital, or the Salvation Army in her memory.
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