Joyce Crenshaw

Joyce (Smith) Crenshaw, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at her home in Cat Spring.

Joyce was born December 30, 1940, in Tampa, Florida, the daughter of Curtis David and Naomi Montrue Smith. She grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, graduating from Byrd High School where she was a standout golfer and captured the Shreveport Women’s City Championship three years in a row. Her love of golf led her to meet her future husband Bill Crenshaw on the golf course at Barksdale Air Force Base. They were married for 54 adventurous years that included traveling to Thailand, camping trips, and outback guided tours in places like Costa Rica. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with family and saltwater fishing in Grand Isle, Louisiana where she and Bill had a camp for many years.  There they hosted family and many friends for holidays, summers, and special events.  There was no meal she loved more than fried speckled trout with fresh homemade tartar sauce.

Joyce and Bill Crenshaw both had a heart for special needs children. They taught a special needs children’s class at Broadmoor Baptist Church for 25 years. After her sons left the nest, she blossomed quickly into a very accomplished artist. Her sculptures and paintings were displayed in the Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport and many prominent locations throughout the city.

Upon her husband’s passing, she relocated to Cat Spring, Texas, with visions of the country life of which she had always dreamed. She raised chickens and shared eggs with family and friends, and tended to her vegetable garden. Then she became an avid Houston Astros fan, never missing a game and attending many in person. She loved her lady’s Bible study and traveled to Israel. She also enjoyed participating in the Cat Spring June Fest. A major highlight was being able to bottle feed a new calf at the Hobson ranch.

She is survived by her sons: William Crenshaw and wife, Mary, of Cat Spring and Curtis Crenshaw and wife, Laurinda, of Winnfield, Louisiana; stepdaughter: Suzanne Stokes and husband, David, of Naples, Florida; granddaughters: Kristin Jones, Margaret Beyer, Lauren Zito, Nicole Crenshaw, Megan Anderson, Brianna Crenshaw, and Morgan Crenshaw; great-grandchildren: Emma Zito, Olivia Zito, Hannah Zito, Avery Jones, and Harper Beyer; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, William G. Crenshaw, Jr., and parents, Curtis and Naomi Smith.



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Brookwood Community is a God-centered educational, residential, and entrepreneurial community for adults with disabilities.