Ann Lacy Crain's Obituary
Ann Lacy Crain peacefully passed away on May 28th, 2015 in Longview, Texas. Ann was compassionate and kind with an inner strength founded on her deep Christian faith. She possessed a keen sense of humor, elegant style, gracious hospitality, and no small amount of determination-the epitome of a true Southern lady. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Ann was born January 8, 1920 in Longview, although she liked to proudly point out that she was actually born in Stumptoe, Texas, a small community near Longview. She graduated from Longview High School in 1937 and went on to attend Southern Methodist University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated from SMU in 1941 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1946 she married Bluford Walter Crain, Jr. also of Longview. After their wedding, Ann and B.W. moved to Houston, but soon returned to their hometown of Longview. However, they always maintained a residence in Houston. Ann and B.W. were married for 48 years, greatly enjoyed one another's company, and extensively traveled the world. Ann was prone to say that she always kept her bags packed. Throughout her life Ann maintained an avid curiosity and appreciation for other cultures and their arts, but always felt most comfortable on the “sandy banks of the Sabine River.” Soft-spoken but never hesitant to make her opinion known, she had a collection of sayings, and perhaps her favorite was that "it will all come out in the wash." In 1973, she became president of R. Lacy, Inc., the company that grew from the oil and gas activities her father, Rogers Lacy, commenced in 1911. She was very proud of the Company and continued to come to the office regularly until shortly before her death. Ann was a vital part of R. Lacy and under her leadership the Company significantly grew its oil and gas footprint, including current plans to expand R. Lacy’s headquarters in downtown Longview. Ann had a giving spirit and generously supported and held leadership positions with many organizations including SMU, where she was a Trustee, Gregg County Historical Museum, where she was a founder and long-time Board member, The Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts, where she served as a member of their National Advisory Council, and The Junior League of Longview, where she was a charter member and past President. She had a special devotion to children and actively supported charitable organizations that focused on children’s causes. She also belonged to a number of civic and social organizations including The Garden Club of America, River Oaks Garden Club of Houston, Houston Country Club, Brook Hollow Golf Club, Cherokee Club, Pine Crest Country Club, and The Summit Club. Ann was preceded in death by her parents Rogers Lacy and Lawson Keener Lacy, her husband Bluford Walter Crain, Jr., and her sister Patsy Lacy Griffith. She is survived by her children Ann Lacy Crain II and her husband Joseph Lee Galloway, Bluford Walter Crain III and his wife Mary McMahon Crain, and Rogers Lacy Crain and his wife Kelty Ewing Crain. She is also survived by her grandchildren James Walter Whitehead III and his wife Elizabeth Munson Whitehead, Jane Lynch Crain, Bluford Walter Crain IV and his fiancée Sarah Allison Neubach, John McMahon Crain and his fiancée Katherine Elizabeth Goldbaum, Peter Lacy Crain, Rogers Lacy Crain, Jr., Alexander Calder Crain, and Lawson McKay Crain, and great grandchildren Claire Dervaes Whitehead and Graham Horn Whitehead, all who affectionately knew her as "Nini". Additionally, she is survived by her life-long best friend and cousin, Claire Smith Foster. For many years, Ann was assisted and cared for by her devoted employees and companions Calvin Hatten, Gloria Guy, Greggory Dearion, Jo Coleman, Pearl Bryant, and Carolyn Alford. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to them. The family also offers their very special appreciation to all the employees of R. Lacy, who in many ways were Ann’s extended family, for their committed dedication to the Company. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 1st at noon at the First Presbyterian Church of Longview, the Reverend Kendal Land officiating under direction of Rader Funeral Home. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family asks that memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Longview, 301 North Center Street, Longview, Texas 75606, or a charity of one’s choice.
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