Lila Crowe McLaughlin's Obituary
Lila Crowe McLaughlin, 96, of Memphis, TN, went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 30, 2022. Lila was born in Pickwick, TN, in 1926, to Luther and (Mary) Ruth Bryson Crowe. She was the oldest of her five siblings. Lila was married to Robert McLaughlin, a long-time employee of US Steel. Lila also worked for US Steel. After Lila and Robert married, they made their home in Birmingham, Alabama, where Lila enjoyed spending time with her friends and neighbors, cooking, and gardening. Robert and Lila were tried and true Alabama fans, and Lila spoke often of her beloved “Birmingham.” They moved to Memphis when Robert retired.
Lila loved her family! When Lila and Robert owned their place in Pickwick, they were gracious to host many family gatherings. Many of her nieces and nephews have precious memories of fun times in Pickwick with Aunt Lila and Uncle Robert. Pickwick, with the legacy of family that was created there, holds a special place in many of their hearts.
The hallmark of Lila’s life was her strong faith in the Lord. She studied her Bible diligently and made a practice of reading through it often. She was a member of Evangel Baptist Church until illness made her unable to attend. Her belief in furthering the cause of Christ in the world prompted her to donate to many Christian charities and organizations.
As she was nearing the end of her life, Lila quoted James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Described by a family member as a woman with “drive and determination,” Lila was known and admired for her “spunk” and perseverance. Her strength in the last days of her life was found in the presence of the Lord. She was looking forward to being with Jesus. In her words, seeing Him will be “wonderful!”
Lila’s outlook in the last stages of her life is expressed in the lyrics from the hymn “Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus”:
“When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing it will be.
When we all see Jesus
We’ll sing and shout the victory!”
Though Lila suffered in the last stages of her life, her victory has been won.
Lila is preceded in death by her husband Robert McLaughlin, brother John Crowe (Jean), Franklin Crowe (June), Reda Pickens (H.D.), and James Crowe.
She is survived by sister Becky Montgomery and brother-in-law, Gwen, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, by her sister-in-law Delores Crowe Kolb of Conroe, TX, and by her nieces and nephews.
Lila will be interred at Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:00 Monday, January 9, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lila’s memory can be made to the following:
Methodist Hospice
https://www.methodisthealth.org/healthcare-services/hospice-care/share-the-care/
Thru the Bible Ministries
https://www.ttb.org
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