Deaconess Emily Cohen Crum, affectionately known as mom, grandma, and Aunt Dee transitioned peacefully from labor to reward on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 9:54 p.m., with her grand-daughters Lydia and Lisa and niece, Alesha by her side. She was 100 years and 8 months old.

Deaconess Crum was born on January 31, 1926, in White Oak, Georgia to Simuel Victor Cohen, Sr. and Pearl Odessa Kennedy Cohen. She was nurtured in a home with grounded faith, resilience and strength of family values that would shape her character and sustain her through a full century of life.

Deaconess Cohen received her education in the public school system of Camden County, Ga. After completing her educational journey, she married Booker T. Crum. Their union was blessed with five children: Otis Crum, Netha Lee Crum Hall, Kenneth Crum, Ellis Crum, and Joyce Crum. As her family grew, so did her legacy. Deaconess Crum was the proud matriarch of a remarkable lineage that includes nineteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, eighteen great-great grandchildren, and one great-great-great grandchild. Her family stands as a living testament to the love, guidance, and devotion she has poured into generations.

Deaconess Crum began her professional career in healthcare, before completing her professional journey with Blue Cross & Blue Shield after 20 years of impeccable service.

Deaconess Crum accepted Christ at an early age and was an active and faithful member of Zion Temple First Born Church, where she served with humility and dedication as a Deaconess, Diocese Usher and the Pastor’s Aide Club. Her service to the church reflected her deep commitment to God and her desire to uplift others through kindness, compassion, and steadfast faith.

Known for her exceptional cooking and baking, Deaconess Crum’s kitchen has always been a place of warmth, nourishment, and fellowship. Her gentle spirit, loving nature, and nurturing heart have touched not only her family but countless friends and community members who cherished her presence.

Deaconess Crum’s favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, has been her guiding light throughout life. Her favorite color – shades of blue – reflects the calm, steady, and peaceful spirit she carried. When asked how she wants to be remembered, Deaconess Crum said that she hopes to be remembered as a God-fearing, virtuous woman who loved the Lord and loved people. Her advice to others is sincere as it is timeless: love the Lord and live right.

Deaconess Crum’s memories will be loved and cherished by her son, Kenneth Crum (Marva); Brother, Bishop Herbert Cohen (Francine); and Sister, Alfreda Tripp; Grand-children; Great-grandchildren; Great-Great grandchildren; and a Great-Great-Great grandchild; special friend, Shirley Brown; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and sorrowing friends.

She was preceded in death by her children: Joyce Crum, Netha Lee Crum Hall, Ellis Crum and Otis Crum; Father, Simuel Victor Cohen; Mother, Pearl Odessa Kennedy Cohen; Siblings: Naomi Cohen Turner; Bishop Simuel Victor Cohen, Jr.; and Linwood Earl Cohen.

Deaconess Crum, may be viewed on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Greater Hope Ministries, 925 Edgewood Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32208, from 4:00 p.m. Until 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Greater Hope Ministries and the interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204