Mary Crooks (2-24-13)

RABUN GAP - Mary Glass Crooks, 87, died peacefully on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at her residence at CannonWood Village in Tiger following a brave and lengthy battle with cancer.

She was born November 4, 1925, the daughter of the late Hugh and Ernestine Dadisman Crooks of Jefferson. She graduated first in the Class of 1942 at Martin Institute. She attended North Georgia College and was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor, master's, and specialist degree in education.

Miss Crooks taught for two years at Jackson Trail School near Jefferson and began teaching at Rabun Gap Community School in 1948, where she taught fifth through seventh grades over the course of five decades. Hundreds of area residents remember her as a highly-respected teacher who had a positive and lasting influence on her students and their families. She was recently recognized for 50 years of dedication and loyalty to Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for key women educators. She served as State President and remained involved in the organization during her teaching years and beyond.

She also served her community in a number of ways, including as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rabun County Library, a longtime member and supporter of the Georgia and Rabun County Retired Educators Association, and an active member of the Dillard United Methodist Church, where she was treasurer for years and was involved in many areas of responsibility and service. She was an avid reader and a lifelong learner and was a sports fan with particular interest in the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Miss Crooks was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Crooks Jones; brother-in-law, John Warner Jones; as well as a long-time friend, Louise McKinney.

Survivors include nieces and their husbands, Mary Pat and Robert Beckum, Columbus, and Linda and Stan Couey, Dublin; beloved great-nephews and nieces, Jay and Abby Simonds Couey, Will Couey, Jonathan Beckum, and Bess Couey; and first cousins, Dean Dadisman, Carrol Dadisman, Sue D. Marabito, Ernest Dadisman, Anne D. Collier, Jane D. Lynn, Tommy Dadisman, and Carolyn D. Brooks; and a host of devoted friends who were like family to her.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 25, at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 26, at the Dillard United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Robert Beckum, Doug Aultman, and Sammy Clark officiating. Assisting with music will be Malivia Swanson, Betty Claire Clark, and the Rev. Doug Volk. Pallbearers will be Bob Barber, Jimmy Deal, Malcolm Dillard, David Grist, Sid Neville, Bill Pierce, Claude Rickman, Wayne Swanson, Warren Thurman, and Mike Wilson. A private family burial will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dillard United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.

Beck Funeral Home, Clayton, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599.

An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.