ANN CRABTREE 

Virginia Ann Crabtree, 70, of Satsuma, died Monday, Jan. 19, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka.  She was a former president of the Downtown Merchants Association of Palatka, member of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and founder, chair and committee head of the Blue Crab Festival where she was "Mudder Crab."  Ann was born in Melbourne, Fla., to A.C. and Alice H. Woodrow. She attended Melbourne High School and was a member of the Melbourne Marching Band. Her early childhood was spent on Jacksonville Beach and she continued her love of the beach throughout her life, enjoying area beaches. She was known by her children for her specialty, "Periwinkle Soup."  She moved to Palatka in 1961 and in 1966 married the love of her life, Tom Crabtree. With her four children and his three children, they became what their children like to call the �original� Brady Bunch.  A certified ceramic instructor, she owned and operated a ceramic shop. In 1976, she co-founded and operated Tom Crabtree Wholesale Company Inc. with her husband until 2001 when she semi-retired and opened, first, a restaurant and then an antique business, Fifth Street Emporium.

She and her husband enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states plus North, Central and South America and parts of Europe.  She was affectionately known by her grandchildren/great-grandson as Mudder aka Mudd. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved living life to the fullest. She always wanted to make the best of every situation.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her brother, Porter Wilkinson who was killed on the USS Wasp in World War II; her beloved sister, Mrs. Marjorie Miller of Jacksonville Beach; and two brothers, Sidney Wilkinson of Bradenton and Albert Woodrow of Rockledge, Fla.

Survivors include: her husband, Tom Crabtree: children Teju (Mike) Adkisson of Interlachen, Toni (Gary) Sullivan of Avon Park, Steve (Donna) Laibl of Jacksonville, Marcia (Ben) Hall of Alpharetta, Ga. and Chip (Liz) Laibl, Danny (Tammy) Crabtree and Cindy (Ricky) Stallings, all of Palatka; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandson; aunt, Mary Freeman; and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins as well as beloved dog and constant companion, Cosmo.

It was Ann's wishes to be cremated.  A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Oliver officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Putnam County Humane Society, 112 Norma Street, Hollister, Fl  32147 or the Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Fl  32177

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Dear Tommy, Teju, Chip,Danny,Cindy, Marcia, Steve and Tony, and the rest of the family.  What can one say, we look for just the right words to say, none of them seem to convey just how we feel. A few words I read in a card one time, helps to bring me comfort. I wish I knew the entire verse, but it was very lenghty. It went something like, I think of you in that far off land and you are standing there. You are not dead, you are just away.

My thoughts are with all of you.

Jewel Sheppard (Ebling)

Jewel  Sheppard Ebling ~ Gainesville Fl

We will really miss Mudder's visits to see us all in Alpharetta, as well as our annual visits to Hiwassee.  What a wonderful, intelligent and fun lady!  Ann - we are so grateful that you entered our lives.  TJ, Cindy, and Ricky - we will anxiously await your next visit.

Sue & Rick Burgess ~ Alpharetta, Georgia

I was saddened to read of Ms. Ann's death.  I don't remember not knowing her and think I first meet her at St. James when we were all still very young.  Although I did not see her much she always remembered me with a big smile. She was such a vital part of Palatka she will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you all. 

Marji Flanders Hightower ~ Palatka, FL

You will be dearly missed.  You were always full of life and as it says made the most of everything and pursuaded everyone you knew to do the same.  When Mom and William(Rev) married years ago you came into our lives and you were a wonderful guiding force in my life.  I am not sure I would have turned out as well as I did and if it was not for your advise from time to time.  My kids still hear some of the lectures you gave me now and I am sure their kids will hear the same.  You made a big impact in this world whether you realized it or not and you will be deeply missed but we all know that at least you are at peace now and will make the same impact where you are now.
I love you Ann!
Becky

Rebecca and Wesley Arnold ~ Palm Coast, Florida

From elementary school (when I walked home with Toni), until I became a young adult(when I had to navigate a parking
space at the Crabtree's house)I spent one
afternoon a week in Ann's ceramic studio.
To this day whenever I pick up a paint
brush-whether it be an art project or
home improvement- I hear Ann's voice(along with my father's)telling me to
"stop dry-brushing--put some paint on the brush".  I look forward to my next paint
project!!!--------
Thanks to each of you for sharing Ann with so many------

Leslie Motes ~ Palatka, Fl

Tommy Joe, my prayers are extended to you and your family.  Bettye McPherson (my mother Annie worked for your Aunt Lilly)

Bettye McPherson ~ Suitland, Maryland

I will always remember Aunt Ann with a smile.  She was always so much fun and mischievous!  On the flip side, she always knew what to do in any situation. She was really down to earth and told it like it was. I loved that about her!  I will always have those great memories at Lake Santa Fe with all the kids and Aunt Ann's whistle!  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you for your loss.

Sondra Wilkinson Waugh ~ Macon, GA

For more than thirty years I knew and loved the Crabtrees as one of my nicest business associates.  They always had a smile and wonderful greetings when I would see them either in their business or on the street.  Annie as I called her, has burned her smile into my mind and whenever I saw her, it was a spiritual invigoration for my soul.  Her Children were very much the same as �Mudd�.  Tommy was a perfect match for Ms. Annie.  I will sorely miss her in her absence but will greet her in the future in Glory.

Our sincerest heartfelt sympathy to her family.  May God bless them.

Lynn and Mary

LYNN A HOFFMANN (NCR-MAN) MARY MURPHY-HOFFMANN ~ EAST PALATKA, FL

Ann, Tom and William Revels were the three
musketeers who went to all the Gator foot-ball games together before Connie came along. 

When William and Connie told Ann
they were getting married, Ann made the
statement (with hands on her hips) that
Willi-0 had been her buddy for so long that she ought to be the one to give him
away.  After a moment and a pause (she was
thinking), she added that she was a notary
and could marry us.  So, Ann joined the
ranks with the clergy in performing marriages.

Off the now four musketgeers
go to the UCLA/Gator game in CA which was,
also, the Revels belated homeymoon. We had
Buddy Epstine (main character in Barnaby
Jones and Beverly Hillbillies) about two
rows behind us at the game.  In our two
weeks of traveling in the west, we came to
some mountains in which Ann wanted to know
about the beach sand on them.  It was so
warm that Ann didn't believe it was snow
and everyone knows she liked the beach
sand.  After a time, we reached higher
elevation, so Ann could see and feel the
"beach sand" on the mountain.  Willam loved to tell the story of the day we went
to Hoover Dam.  We were in a very crowded
elevator, when William reached around a man between he and Ann and goosed her in
the posterior area.  Ann did not flinch.
So, he did it again and Ann did not flinch.  About the third or fourth try.
William really gave it a good goose.  Ann
jumped around and looks at the guy behind
her square in the eye.  Had William not
laughed, who know what would have happened.  This was the day that Ann took
pictures all day only to discover there
was no film in the camera.  All this was
over twenty-five years ago and WHAT precious memories they are and the ones
we have had since.  There won't be a balmy
day at the beach that I won't think of Ann
and how much she loved them.  We will miss
her.

Connie C. Revels ~ Flagler Beach, FL

To Tommy and my cousins.  Aunt, Wife, Mom she was  "the Best"   Doug

Doug Miller ~ Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl

Cindy, Marcia, Danny, Steve, Chip, Toni, Teju and Mr. Tommy, I am so sorry for your loss.  Ms. Ann was like a second mother to me as much as I was at your house with Cindy.  The many days of spending time with your family, it was like I was the 8th child.  Eating dinner at the big table, jumping on the trampoline, spending many summers at the beach house and riding around in the big station wagon.  She will be greatly missed.  Just in the past few years,  Ms. Ann would tell me everytime I saw her that I looked different to her everytime, but her personality and spirit were always the same.  May God keep you in his comfort and my prayers are with you.

Cristie Payne Lee ~ Palatka, Fl

You are in our thoughts and prayers.  May God comfort you in your time of loss.

Steve and Sherrel Mack ~ Palatka, FL

My thoughts are with all the ones that Ann left behind.  Even though it has been ages since I have seen her, I have never forgotten how sweet and down to earth she was.  I always loved being around Ann and Tommy...they were so much fun and full of life and laughter.  Never a dull moment with Ann in the room.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 
Karen Revels

Karen Revels ~ Palatka, FL

I was truly sadden to hear of Ann's passing. She was such a wonderful person she will always have a special place in my heart. God Bless your family in this difficult time.

Antoinette Williams-Deaver ~ Interlachen, Fl.

I was so sad to hear of your loss.I have such wonderful memories of living next door to all of you on Forest Park Drive. Ann was always so dear and loved by my mother,Maude,as well all who knew her.

brenda lamb ~ atlanta,ga

I was shocked and saddened to hear about Ann's passing.  She was so full of energy and life, it is hard to believe she uis gone.  My heart goes out to Tom and his family.  Betty

Betty Hancock Schnitzer ~ Jacksonville, Florida

To Chip and the whole family, my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow.  I will keep you in my heart and prayers.  May God bless you and give you the strength that you need.

Nora Baker ~ Palatka, Fl

Chip and Liz, we are sorry for your loss and are thinking of you. Remember to rejoice and recall the wonderful moments that you, your family and your mother shared together, these thoughts and times will always be with you!

Robert and Jena Waters ~ Palatka, FL.

Ann always had a good word and a happy smile for all. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Good bye friends. We'll meet again.

Chuck and Adrienne Fennell ~ Palatka, Florida

We were so sad to hear about Ann's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ann's family. She was one special lady! We thought of her as "our" Mom.She will truly be missed. Tom, we love you and will continue to uphold you and yours in prayer. God Bless. love,
Jerry and Monica Robinson

Jerry and Monica Robinson ~ Palm Coast, FL

Sorry to hear of Ann's passing.
We had some real big times in the 60's & 70's. Ann was very bubbly and loving and everyone around her could feel it. Everytime she would see you she said hi and always a conversation started not just a hi. There will never be another ANN. Tommy take care and always remember all the great times. God bless Tommy and the family.  Love you, Gail

Gail Leary ~ East Palatka ,fl

Ann is a beautiful person and I see that in everyone she has touched. You all are in our hearts and prayers. She will truely be missed.

Damian, Tina & Baby Garrett ~ Fort McCoy, Fl

Ann was a Treasure, and one awsome Cousin. She will always be a part of me and always in my heart. May God surround Tommy and the Kids with his love and Grace.

Tom Carlyon ~ San Antonio, Texas

Ann was truly a remarkable lady who instantly became a friend and was loved by all who knew her.

Larry and Ann Freeman ~ East Palatka, FL  32131

Tommy,
I was truly sorry to hear of Ann's passing, she will be missed by all who knew her.
it seems like only yesterday that we were all young and pleased with having friends such as you and Ann.
My condolences to you, your children and the grandchildren.
GOD BLESS,
John Sistrunk

John Sistrunk ~ St. Augustine, Fl.

I sure did love Miss Ann, and so did the other members of my family.  My mom still talks about doing ceramics in Ann's studio, and I have fond memories of the house at the beach and the time I spent there with Toni.  May God give you an extra measure of comfort, knowing that Ann is finally home, safe in His arms.

Julie Cobb Costas ~ Tallahasse, FL

First of all let me express my sorrow for the family. I adored her and Mr. Crabtree they were customers of mine at the golden corral but before that she became my friend when she had her downtown restaurant. Alot of times people saw her tough side, she only showed me her funny and sweet side i will miss her so much and my heart is so heavy for Mr. Crabtree for they adored each other.   
                   Your Friend, Bobbie

Bobbie Griffin ~ Palatka, Fl.

our thoughts and prayers are with you. a true lady. she had the strength and goodness of a good and wise heart. she will be truly missed.

brenda gornto williams ~ palatka,fla.

If you were anywhere near Ann, you had to smile. Her bubbly personality just made you feel good and you too had to smile. Her strength and will were tested and she smiled right thru that too. Thank you Ann for bringing joy to all those whose lives you touched in so many ways.

Debbie Lipko ~ Palatka, Florida

How I will miss my beloved "Auntie Ann" (she hated being called that!).  I'll miss the joy for life that was so infectious, that dedication to family and it's history, the wild and crazy antics, the family gatherings no matter where--the band shell, the beach house, the house in Palatka, Whiteys--, the animal menangerie and funny names for them.  Most of all I will miss, but not forget, that big heart--the love and compassion so freely given to so very many.  You made the world a better and more fun place, Ann.  You'll be in my heart forever.

Linda Moore ~ Jacksonville Beach, FL

Thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.

Bobby and Kim Daley ~ Palatka, Florida

I love ya'll so much.  I miss Aunt Ann,so I KNOW you do.  You are in my prayers.

Laura Sapp ~ Gainesville, FL

We still have their holiday rambler 1989,motorhome.  Our prayers are with you .

Jim and Annette Keene ~ Miami, Fla

Ann was a very special lady and will be missed.  My heart goes out to each of the family; if there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Darlene Laibl-Crowe & Philip Crowe ~ PalPalatkaatka, FL

To Chip and all the family, our deepest sympathy for your loss, our prayers are for you all, Gaye Fox

Rusty and Gaye Fox ~ Hollister, Florida

We are so sorry for your loss. We ask for
God to bless  and comfort your family during this time.

Mary and Darrell Wimberley and family ~ Florahome, Florida

Was so sorry to hear of Ann's passing.  Sure was hoping she'd beat the odds and win the battle.  She was a fun loving person and will be missed by all who knew her.

Sue and Frank Young ~ Blue Ridge, GA

Teju,  I was saddened to hear of your Mothers death. I will allways remember the times from years of past in the early 1970's at Cresent Beach, when we had the home across from your's. Your Mother allways showed her kindness with her big warm smile. I remember when your dad allowed you to visit my sister, Marylinda, and my brother, Wally and myself, at our home in Orlando . Now we are all grown with Families of our own. Wally in in D.C. with 2 grown Daughters, Marylinda is in Bostwick, with her 2 grown daughters, and I am in Asheville NC. Your Mother is at peace in God's arms, and a angle shinning down upon us.  My Deepest Thought's and Prayer's are extended to you all. Contact me at ,
               John Tart
               P.O. Box 5572
               Asheville , N.C. 28813

John Tart ~ Asheville ,North Carolina