10/31/2025
Reverend Irene Jeanette Crews, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Lifecare Center of Hilliard. She was born on February 16, 1947, in Lake Park, Georgia, to Ernest and Julia Mitchell Rogers.
Irene lived a life marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith. She was married for 34 wonderful years to the love of her life, Eugene Crews, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and a deep love for God and family.
A woman of many callings, Irene was a minister, missionary, gospel singer, and teacher at New Hope Christian Academy. She held a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a doctorate in theology. Whether in the classroom, the pulpit, or her own kitchen, Irene taught by example showing kindness, patience, and grace in everything she did.
Irene was up for any challenge and never shied away from hard work. She had a knack for mastering whatever she set her mind to. Whether that meant tending her garden, organizing a church mission trip to Honduras, or skillfully operating heavy equipment like forklifts, backhoes, and skid steers. Irene’s determination and fearless spirit inspired everyone around her.
Irene found joy in the simple pleasures of life such as baking, gardening, and cruising in her Mustang convertible. Her red velvet cake and homemade plum jam were legendary. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with her boundless love and wisdom.
With a servant’s heart, Irene opened her home and heart to many, fostering children, comforting the hurting, and serving her community with humility and devotion. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Irene is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene Crews; father, Ernest Rogers; mother, Julia Mitchell Rogers; brother, Ernest Rogers, Jr.; stepdaughter, Zena Crews; and stepson, Kenneth Crews.
Irene is survived by her daughter, Jeanette “Jan” Williamson; son, Schonathan Crews (Amanda); daughter, Shayé Crews-Lloyd (Gabriel); stepson, Jeffrey Crews (Keith); brothers, Franklin Rogers and Oliver Rogers; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher Rawl (Emily), Amanda Tayag (Vince), Hillary Carver (Chase), Megan Rawl (Robert), Brayden Crews, Grayson Crews, and Aunalynn; and her precious great-grandchildren, Baylor, Olivia, Lincoln, Colson, and Lucas. Each of them carries a piece of her loving spirit forward.
Irene will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her, but her spirit will live on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.
The tribute above was prepared by Irene’s loving family.
A Celebration of Reverend Irene Jeanette Crews’s Life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Nassau Funeral Home in Callahan, Florida with Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Guthrie officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Hephzibah Baptist Church Cemetery in Waycross, Georgia. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.