Betty Jean Grimes-Crouch
Class of 1947

On Monday, July 23, 2018, Betty Jean Grimes Crouch passed into the fullness of immortal life and now abides in the mercy and care of her Heavenly Father.

“Jean” was born August 16, 1930 to the late Damon G. Sr. and Eloise W. Grimes in Enka, NC. - their first child. Jean was also predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald O. Crouch; a niece, Kelley Ann Lupton and nephew Jeffrey W. Grimes; and her only brother, Damon G. Grimes Jr.

After re-locating to Portsmouth, she was raised in Cradock, where she attended Cradock Elementary and High School. Jean graduated with the class of 1947 at the age of 15. Four days after graduation she began her life career as a telephone operator with C & P Telephone Company. She worked 17 ½ years in the Portsmouth and Norfolk offices. She then went with Civil Service (Federal Service) at Little Creek Amphibious Base, Norfolk Naval Base and then Naval Regional Medical Center (Portsmouth). After a year off, Jean went back to work as an operator/receptionist at Portsmouth Psychiatric Center (Pines Treatment Center) where she worked for 16 years. She retired in 1993. Her favorite quote was “I highly recommend retirement for everyone”.

Left cherished memories with her survivors, which include her loving daughter and son in-law, Kathy and Kevin Hood and their sons, Justin R. Crouch and Derek W. Hood and great granddaughter, Kira Talley. Her beloved son and daughter in-law, Michael E. and Sharon Crouch, and their daughters, Alicia, Lauren and Alexandra Crouch. Sister and brother in-law, Alice Ann and Charles (Sonny) Carter.

Jean was a 30-plus year member of Grove Park Baptist Church, its Ruth Bible class and a former member of the Adult Choir. She was a past Worthy Matron of Miriam #94 and Esther #37 and a duel member of Creedmoor #607 (Austin, TX) Order of The Eastern Star, four time Royal Matron of Cavalier Court #6, Order of the Amaranth, Past Bethel Guardian of Bethel #40 I.O.J.D. and member at large of Chi Master Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Jean was a published poet and loved to share her God given talent with family and friends by writing her own greeting cards. Her works were often printed in the Church Bulletins.

Her favorite things were spending time with her precious grandchildren, writing, and watching sports on TV, especially her beloved Redskins and New York Mets.

A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Friday, July 27, in Grove Park Baptist Church by Rev. Scott Pond. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel Thursday evening 7 to 8:30 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Grove Park Baptist Church, 1400 Rodman Ave. Portsmouth, VA 23707.