Essie Mae Crosby

Essie “Bee” Crosby, a resident of Anniston, Alabama, formerly of Elmore County, Alabama, entered eternal rest on September 9, 2025. Essie “Bee” was born on May 23, 1949, in Elmore County, Alabama, to her beloved mother, the late Mammie Devold. She is preceded in death by her two sisters, Josie Ziegler and Beulah Butler, and her two brothers, David Devold and Eugene Devold. Essie’s life was established on faith and family. At a young age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Mount Zion Church. She was an alumna of Sandtown High School, where she learned the values of hard work and the importance of community. On July 13, 1973, Essie “Bee” married the love of her life, James Monroe Crosby Jr. Their union blossomed into 52 years of a beautiful marriage, built on love, devotion, and shared adventures. As the wife of a veteran, she enjoyed traveling the world alongside James, making cherished memories in places such as Panama and Germany. Essie “Bee” worked in the food service industry beginning in 1979 and continued faithfully throughout the 1990s. She will be remembered for her dedication, kindness, and welcoming smile. She was also a faithful member of Refuge Full Gospel Methodist Church since 2004, where she served on both the Hospitality Committee and the Usher Board. Her presence was a blessing to her church family, and she gave of her time and heart without hesitation. She is survived by her loving husband, James Monroe Crosby Jr., who stood faithfully by her side for over five decades. She leaves to honor her memory her family and close friends: John Crosby, Alabama; Mike Crosby (Mildred), Florida; Stanley Crosby (Jackie), Alabama; Dianne Crosby, Alabama; Sharon Crosby, Alabama; Teresa Crosby Lockley, Florida; Linda Crosby Jackson, Alabama; Gloria Crosby Sterling, Alabama; Valerie Crosby Gaines (Ed), Maryland; along with a host of nieces and nephews. She also leaves cherished memories with her dear longtime friends, Romana Davis, Bonnie Moore, and Chris Battie. A public viewing will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hillside Memorial & Gardens in Wetumpka, Alabama. A celebration service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Elmore, Alabama. Interment and committal service will follow at Hillside Memorial & Gardens in Wetumpka, Alabama. Hillside Memorial & Gardens Directing.

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Essie Mae Crosby

May 23, 1949 - September 9, 2025