Bessie Evelyn Crooke

1918-2020

Bessie Evelyn Crooke, 101, formerly of Danville died February 16, 2020 in Lawrenceburg, her hometown. Born June 21, 1918, she was the daughter of the late James H. and Ollie McGaughey Crooke. She was a graduate of Kavanaugh High School in Lawrenceburg and graduated from Georgetown College with honors. Evelyn was a member of Lexington Avenue Baptist Church where she served as a Deacon. She worked for several years as a teacher’s aide at Jennie Rogers Elementary School. She spent most of her work life in churches in Fort Worth, Texas, Meridian, Mississippi and retired from Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, Danville. She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert Crooke and Silas Crooke and her sisters, Oneta Cogswell, Sally Shely and Frona Billeter.

Evelyn is survived by several nieces and nephews, Evelyn Matherly of Harrodsburg, Dixie (Tony) Beasley of Salvisa, Gilbert “Bud” (Phyllis) Shely Jr. of Lawrenceburg, Oneta Brandenburg of Holly Springs, NC, Dee Johnston of Winchester, Va., Beverly McGee of Indiana and Mark Cook of Colorado; many great nieces and nephews including Vicki (Larry) Smith of Frankfort, Melissa Woods of Lawrenceburg, Patti (John) Rhea of Frankfort, Kathleen Luttrell of Harrodsburg and Tommy Drury of Lexington.

The funeral service will be 1 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020 at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church. Rev. Tommy Valentine and Basil Hall will officiate. Burial will be at 4 p.m. at the Lawrenceburg Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nate Rhea, John Rhea, Larry Smith, Ryan Smith Robert Ribeca and George Smith. Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Friday prior to the service. Memorial donations are suggested to Lexington Avenue Baptist Church. The online guestbook is available at www.stithcares.com