Rev. Jerry Vardaman Crook III's Obituary
The Reverend Jerry Vardaman Crook, III passed into the arms of his savior Friday, February 26, 2021, with his wife, Sandra Webb Crook, at his side in their home in Memphis, TN.
Jerry was born on October 10, 1946, in Memphis, TN, to Jerry Vardaman Crook, Jr. and Mary Richartz Crook.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, William Robson Mitchum, MD and Mary Richartz Mitchum, Father Jerry Vardaman Crook Jr., wife, Roberta Sullivan, grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Vardaman Crook Sr., and his beloved Aunt, Katherine K. Gordon. He is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” Webb Crook of Memphis, TN, his daughter, Collins Lamar Daye (Alan Berardo), their daughter, Sullivan Cady; stepsons, John Joseph Baker IV (Kathryn), their daughters, Lilian Nell and Ainsley Day, and Patrick Hugh Baker (Aimee) and their children, Ethan Anderson and Madeline Evelyn; brothers, William Robson Mitchum, Jr. (Jan), and Dr. James Richartz Mitchum (Lisa), and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Jerry attended White Station High School and graduated from Columbia Military Academy, Lambuth College and General Theological Seminary.
Throughout his life, he had a devoted ministry, from youth ministry to pastoral ministry, to interim ministry and chaplaincy. He served churches in Georgia (Albany, Americus, Augusta, Hinesville, and Richmond Hill), Seaside, FL.
His most recent service was in Memphis when he was called by the Bishop of the Diocese of West Tennessee to lead congregations of All Saints, St. Elizabeth’s, and Church of the Annunciation. With his new wife, Sandy by his side, he celebrated the liturgy and delivered homilies from memory. Jerry officially retired in 2019 but never stopped ministering.
He found joy surrounded by his family, five grandchildren who knew him as “Pappy”, and countless friends. He loved to travel, listen to books, attend University of Memphis basketball games, and share a glass of wine with friends over a good meal.
He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 3 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. Live streaming will be available. Details may be found at stmarysmemphis.cor.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Columba Episcopal Conference Center for Camp Able, 4577 Billy Maher Road, Memphis, TN 38135, or online at saintcolumbamemphis.org.
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