Frances M. Crenshaw

On July 6, 1929 in Pritchard, Alabama a baby girl was born to Leonard and Golden Alfa Tina Gilmer. To this union a brother was also born, Leonard Gilmer Jr. Mrs. Crenshaw graduated from Mobile County Training School and went on to Cosmetology School where she obtained a Cosmetology Certificate. While singing in the choir, a young Jr. Deacon named Harry Crenshaw noticed her and ultimately married her. To this union five (5) children was born. Mrs. Crenshaw was employed as ironer of clothes for her “counterparts” as a young girl of eleven or so. After moving up North she worked for J.C. Penny for a short stint and retired from the Board of Education after 31 years in the Chapter 1 Program. She was very active in the Interdenominational Ministers and Minister’s Widows Association at both the State and local levels. She was the State President from 1984 – 1988. She was named Minister Wife of the Year. In 1990 she was crowned Queen of the Ohio State Association of Ministers Wives and the competition was fierce. It included 12 cities competing and Toledo won. She moved on to become the Advisor and Treasurer in later years. At Jerusalem Baptist Church she served as the First Lady for 35 years. She also was a choir member, Adult Sunday School Teacher; won several State rallies in homecoming for Alabama, of course. Rev. & Mrs. Crenshaw established a scholarship fund after the passing of one of their daughters called Crenshaw/Brown Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are still blessing people in the name of Jerusalem Baptist Church. She also was a member of the Citywide Choir which was organized by the late Derrick Roberts. She really enjoyed teaching younger women about the Christian lifestyle and exemplifying it. Mrs. Crenshaw also had a loving side to her. Her hobbies included traveling, cooking, shopping, and talking on the phone. She was a breast Cancer Survivor and gave generously to the cause. She also contributed to the Bureau of Native Americans, as well as many other organizations. She also visited the sick, fed the hungry and clothed the naked. Mrs. Crenshaw is proceeded in death by her loved ones: father, Leonard Gilmer Sr, mother Golden Alpha Tina Gilmer and brother, Leonard Jr. Her husband, the love of her life, Rev. Dr. Harry M. Crenshaw; Daughters, Vanessa (Herb) Davis and Marilyn Crenshaw, one grandson, O’Lajidai Crenshaw; 2 great grandsons: Onandajai and O’Mauryoi Crenshaw. Those left to celebrate her is son, Marvin Crenshaw; Daughters, Shirley, and Kay (Eddie C. Traylor) Crenshaw; 1 granddaughter, O’Shai Crenshaw, 1 great granddaughter, Onyai Crenshaw; 1 great grandson, O’Lajidai Wilson-Crenshaw; 2 great grandsons, Olajuwan and Omirion Crenshaw; God-daughter, Janice Frye and Sheila Buchanon Jefferson. A wonderful church family and city that loved her, helped and truly respected her.

Frances M. Crenshaw

July 6, 1929 - October 31, 2025