Minnie Marilyn Bailey Crews was born Feb. 9, 1934, in Bogalusa, to the late William and Aretha Bolton Bailey Jr. She graduated from Central Memorial High School in Bogalusa at the age of 16. After finishing high school, she left the state of Louisiana, receiving a B.A. degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge. She continued advanced studies a UCLA and Pepperdine in Los Angeles, Calif.

She moved to Los Angeles, where she met Charles Crews and to this union in holy matrimony a son was born, Keith Crews. Marilyn worked 12 years as a postal clerk, tour guide and seasonal supervisor. She also worked for 27 years at Los Angeles Unified School as a teacher in the English and Social Studies Departments at Westchester High School. Her leadership qualities were put to good use in the dean’s office at Westchester High School.

Marilyn, like her father William Bailey Jr., was always involved in community service, both in Los Angeles and Bogalusa. Marilyn returned to Bogalusa, in 2000 and was active serving her community. She served a term as councilwoman for eight years, CASA volunteer and many other organizations. She enjoyed interacting with people.

Marilyn was baptized as an infant by the Rev. N. L. Lunz in the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where she serviced as Sunday school superintendent and member of the choir. After moving to Los Angeles, she joined Brookin A.M.E. Church and was a devoted member until her return home and reunion her membership with St. Paul A.M.E. Church. She has been a very faithful and loyal member and officer to her church as well as her pastors since renewing her membership. She served on numerous committees, Lay Organization, Missionary Society, Stewardess Board and St. Paul Centennial Committee just to name a few.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Aretha Bolton Bailey and father, William Bailey Jr.; son, Keith Crews; husband, Charles Crews; sister, Margie Bailey Evans Cleaver; and special cousin, Carol Jean Bolton Morgan.

Leaving to cherish her precious memory are brother, Joseph Bailey of Bogalusa; grandson, Kasey B. Crews of Los Angeles; devoted niece, Wanderlyn Evans Weary of Bogalusa; nephew, Brandon Bailey of Los Angeles; nieces, Shannon W. Owens of Lewisville, Texas, Yolanda(Albert) Magee of Arlington, Texas, and Terrie W. Robinson of Cibolo, Texas; five great-nephews, Danel (Katie) Owens of Irving, Texas, Dimyrius Owens of Lewisville, William Monk of Arlington, Gregory A. Weary and Jerry Robinson of Cibolo; three great-nieces, Dejah M. Owens and Dimyrria Owens of Lewisville, and Alisa Magee of Arlington; and also nephew, Shawn Owens and niece, Lillie Owens from Irving; two special caregivers, Patricia and Martha Felton; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 17, at the chapel of Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a family hour from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 18, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, located at 420 Church St. in Bogalusa, at 11 a.m., with Elder R.L. Palmer Jr., pastor, officiating.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements. Interment will be in the Bogalusa Cemetery.

Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.