Vernie Crabtree
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Vernie Faye Wilton Crabtree was born to Charles Joseph Wilton and Lona Parrish Wilton on August 2, 1925 in Jermyn, Texas. She passed away due to COVID-19 on January 8, 2021 in Dallas, Texas.
Upon moving to Dallas, Vernie attended Business College, began work as a bookkeeper at Gifford-Hill Company, and volunteered as a Nurse's Aide. On June 9, 1946, Vernie married artist Tom Crabtree. She served as the office manager of Crabtree Studio, while raising two children, and actively participating in her church and community. Vernie was involved with Casa View United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, League of Women Voters, Women for Change, Women's Equity Action League, National Organization for Women, Peacemakers, Inc., and Church Women United. She served as President of United Methodist Women (UMW) and as Board Vice President of the Lone Star Council of Camp Fire, Inc. Vernie also participated in the CC Young Auxiliary, providing programs for the senior residents at C.C. Young Retirement Center, where Vernie lived during her last 15 years of life.
After the death of her husband, Vernie and her son, Tom, operated the family art business until it was sold. She then earned an Associate Degree in Business from Dallas College Eastfield Campus. Upon Vernie's graduation, her daughter Carol hired her as the Financial Director for her own law firm. In 2010, Vernie was recognized by Gloria Steinem as a "Veteran Feminist of America" for her long-time advocacy for women's rights.
Vernie is survived by: her daughter Carol (& Dan) Donovan, her son Thomas (& Aggie) Crabtree; her grandchildren, Kathleen (& Ken) Coffin and Patrick (& Jessica) Donovan; and her great grandchildren Caroline Grace Coffin and Charlotte Anne Coffin. Vernie is preceded in death by: her parents Charles Joseph Wilton and Lona Blanche Parrish Wilton; her siblings, Vester (& Vera) Wilton, Van (& Catherine) Wilton, Oretha Wilton, Oletha Wilton Little; her half-siblings, Norvell (Joann) Wilton, C.J. (Naree) Wilton, Charlene Wilton Jackson, Colleen (& Alton) Gary, and Eugene Wilton; and her youngest grandson Michel Blair Crabtree.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Vernie's memory to the Benevolence Fund of CC Young Retirement Center at 4847 W. Lawther Drive, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75214 (214-817-0488) or to the charity of your choice. A virtual Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Grove Hill Funeral Home. Virtual access information will be posted on the Grove Hill Funeral Home site at the link below:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/dallas-tx/vernie-crabtree-9992076