Vivian del Cates Crowson's Obituary
As the Bible might say, “Then Vivian breathed her last and died in a good old age, an old woman and full of years, and was gathered to her people.” Vivian del Cates Crowson, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, in Athens, Texas, at the age of 94. Vivian lived a life marked by graciousness, kindness, humor, and a deep love for her family.
Vivian was born on June 2, 1931, in Ferris, Texas, the daughter of Harry Louis Cates and Bobbye Edith Tate Cates. She was the fifth of seven children. As a little girl, when she expressed concern that she was adopted (the only blue-eyed child in a family of brown eyes), her mother assured her that people didn’t adopt fifth children during the Depression. She lived on the family farm in Ellis County, then moved to the town of Commerce. Her family later moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Vivian attended Louisiana State University from 1948 to 1950. It was during this time that she met her husband, on the last night of a two-week revival at her church. On December 13, 1950, she married Charles Felton Crowson, Jr., who was later hired by Sun Oil Company as a petroleum engineer. Their early years together were filled with frequent moves, living in Houston; Snyder; Crowley, Louisiana; Garcia; Silver; Pampa; Longview; Odessa; and Delhi, Louisiana, before finally returning to Longview—her favorite place and the community she would come to call home. During those early moves, she and Charlie had four children – Chuck, David, Kenny, and Cathy.
After her children had all started school, Vivian returned to her studies and completed her Bachelor’s degree at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches – commuting from Longview for two years. She then began a fulfilling career as a beloved English teacher, known for her warmth, wit, and encouragement. Her classroom was a haven for students, and her influence extended far beyond its walls.
Vivian was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Longview, where she taught Sunday School for many years, sang in the choir, was active in WMU, and volunteered in the church library, as well as the church’s homeless ministry (Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network). Until her husband’s death in 1996, they volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She was also active in community organizations: Story League, The Celtic Heritage Society of East Texas, and P.E.O. Sisterhood.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Charlie, and by her son, David Lee Crowson, who was married to Jane Ann Whitley Crowson. She was also preceded in death by her parents as well as five of her siblings: Harry Louis Cates, Jr., Bobbye Yvonne Cates Garrett (Yvonne), George Truett Cates, Durward Hampton Cates, and Don Tate Cates.
Those who will miss Vivian most include the families of her four children:
Charles Louis Crowson (Chuck), married to Natalie Gann
Jane Ann Whitley Crowson
Kenneth Lane Crowson (Kenny), married to Curry Ann Thrailkill
Cathy Lynn Crowson, married to David Terrell Johnson
She leaves behind 11 grandchildren:
Laura Virginia Crowson Lester and husband Bill, David Luke Crowson (Luke) and wife Teri, Andrew Lee Crowson (Drew) and wife Sarah, Cara Jane Crowson Brister and husband Chris, William Charles Crowson (Charlie), Henry McLane Crowson and wife Amy, Mary Madison Crowson, Cathleen Emily Johnson Serven (Emily) and husband Nate, Jennifer Elizabeth Johnson Talleri and husband Christopher, Anna Rebekah Johnson Smith and husband Nathan, and Sarah Margaret Johnson Siler and husband Austin.
Vivian was also blessed with 27 great-grandchildren—with two more on the way—each of whom brought her immeasurable joy:
Katherine Del Lester (Kate), William David Lester, Jr. (Will), Whitley David Crowson, Benjamin Luke Crowson, Caleb Edward Crowson, Frances Ann Crowson, Charles Alekzander Crowson, Silas Andrew Crowson, Robert Joshua (Bo) Brister, Eleanor Jane (Ellie) Brister, Cate Ruth Brister, Rose James Crowson, Collins Marie Crowson, Ann McLane Crowson, Grace Katherine Crowson, Joanna Courage Serven, Micaiah Steven Talleri, Elizabeth Cathleen Talleri, Caleb Johnson Talleri, Roy David Smith, Vivian Rebekah Smith, Samuel Gregory Smith, Mary Margaret Smith, Boone Steven Siler, Houston David Siler, Jones Boyd Siler, and Etta Lee Siler.
She also leaves behind a beloved younger brother, Michael Reid Cates in Tennessee
Vivian grew up in a wonderful Christian home and because of that good foundation, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, making her family faith her own. Thus began a life of faithful obedience. Charlie was the backbone of the family, and she was its spiritual heart.
When we remember Vivian, we think of lots and lots (and lots) of books and her love of words. We think of tea parties, hot air balloons, bluebonnets and all things Texas, how she encouraged creativity in everyday moments, and how her house was the perfect backdrop for this fostering of creativity. Her gift of hospitality also meant her home was the ultimate gathering place, the scene of many meals and parties. We think of how she loved her family unconditionally; one of her teacher colleagues once remarked that each of Vivian’s four children was like an only child. She was our biggest cheerleader. She loved being Grandmother – not only to her own grandchildren, but also to many little ones from her church – and she was extraordinary. She inspired our imaginations and made us feel incredibly loved and cherished.
Her little brother, Michael, once compared her to the words of an old Sigmund Romberg song, “When She Walks in the Room.”
“‘The statues smile
The curtains wave
The big stuffed elk
Becomes her slave
The antique clock begins to boom
When she walks in the room.’
[Those] are some words I still remember, and they capture something of the effect Vivian had on people around her.”
We loved her and will miss her but we have been so blessed to be able to call her Mother, Grandmother, sister, aunt, friend.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Monday, July 14, 1:00, at First Baptist Church Ford Chapel, Longview, Texas.
"Her children rise up and call her blessed." – Proverbs 31:28
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the library at First Baptist Church, Longview, or to Buckner Westminster in Longview.
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