Emma Lee “Kitty” Smalley McCrummen

Published 11:37 pm Thursday, February 25, 2016

Emma Lee “Kitty” Smalley McCrummen, 94, died on Feb. 23, 2016, in Mobile. She was born on December 17, 1921, in Ringling, Oklahoma and reared on the V-8 Ranch, which was homesteaded by her paternal grandparents before Oklahoma was a state. She was preceded in death by her father, John Finis Smalley, and her mother, Margaret Fagerquist Smalley (the daughter of Swedish immigrants); also by her first husband, Captain Warren G. Collins, who was killed in service in 1943; and her husband of 67 years, Dr. Norman Henry McCrummen II; her son, Warren G. McCrummen; and her sister, Jurhee Katherine Smalley Foot. She is survived by her son, Norman Henry McCrummen III (Nancy Rhodes); her daughter, Lynn McCrummen Johnson (C. Austin Johnson, Sr.); her grandchildren, Warren Scott McCrummen, Stephanie Lynn McCrummen, John Martin McCrummen, Emily Austin Johnson Baker, Charles Austin Johnson Jr. and Margaret Ruth McCrummen Fowler; by a daughter-in-law, Catherine Martin McCrummen; her brother, Clem Edward Smalley; and their sister, Marjorie Smalley Collins. Mrs. McCrummen, called “Kitty” by her family and friends, was valedictorian of her high school class and majored in music education in college. Her post graduate study was in organ performance. She was a recitalist of both piano and organ. For six decades she taught piano, organ, voice and scripture; she directed choirs, plays and musicals. She resigned as a full-time organist at the age of 87. She was the past president of the Montgomery Music Club. Kitty loved gardening, reading, needle-pointing and entertaining. She was vivacious, amusing, disciplined, impeccable in her dress, sometimes unpredictable and always energetic. She had a strong opinion on every subject and found no reason to withhold a thought on any subject, even those she knew little or nothing about. She took a bright light into every room she entered and made all her friends feel that each friend was her best and favorite; and each was. Whether directing a play, giving a recital or entertaining 300 guests, she gave the whole of herself to ensure the delight of those present. With her three children she was strict; with her grandchildren there were virtually no rules or boundaries. Few grandmothers could tell a better story or provide more fun than Kitty; however, when her grandchildren grew up, there was never a doubt on their part what their grandmother thought they should do or the direction they should go, for in giving advice she was neither reticent nor subtle. The love of her life was her husband of almost seven decades. They were opposites in personality but simpatico in everything else. For over 60 years they were the closest of partners in the churches they served. During their years in Marion, when Dr. McCrummen was president of Judson College, Kitty was the consummate hostess, a tireless worker on the campus grounds, a piano teacher and a role model for the young on how to live beautifully and fully and in service to God. Her students adored her, and they, and all who knew her, will miss her. A graveside service will be held in Montgomery at Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, one may wish to make a memorial donation to Judson College, 302 Bibb Street, Marion, AL 36756. Arrangements by Ascension Funerals & Cremations, 1016 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL.