Thelma Lee Crotts

Thelma Lee Crotts, 90 of Jonesboro, passed from this life Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born on October 2, 1924 to Tom and Mattie Fulmore Elkins in Mabelvale, Arkansas. She married the late Rev. R.B. Crotts on September 7, 1942, who was a Southern Baptist Minister for 54 years. They happily served the Lord and congregations in Malvern, Lepanto, Wynne, Owensville and Hurricane Lake, all in Arkansas. She loved being a pastor’s wife and served in many capacities for each of his churches during those 54 years. After becoming a mother of one son, Mike Crotts of Jonesboro, AR, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1963 and her Master of Arts Degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR in 1967.

Thelma Crotts was a Professional Educator in Arkansas for over 30 years before retiring. She was a elementary master teacher, Principal, and Administrator for Benton Public Schools. She was a qualified P.E.T. (Program of Effective Teaching) trainer and conducted numerous in-service workshops for Arkansas teachers on becoming effective teachers. Thelma implemented new instructional programs and projects including Project IMPACT (computers), Classroom Management, Assertive Discipline and Effective Teaching. One of her most creditable accomplishments is that she developed a pilot project for Gifted and Talented Students, that was the forerunner of the present “Gifted and Talented Program” in Arkansas schools today.

On the state level in Arkansas, Mrs. Crotts has served on various committees for the State Department of Education, the Arkansas Association for Elementary School Principals, Arkansas Association for Educational Administrators and has been a member of the North Central Accreditation Team for many schools in Arkansas. She was also involved in other professional organizations; Alpha Delta Kappa, National Association for Elementary Principals, Mountain Home and Benton Business Professional Women, where she was awarded MHBPW Woman of the Year. She was also appointed by then Gov. Bill Clinton to serve on the State Board Board of Education in Arkansas.

Her political involvement through her life was great and included Saline Co. Democratic Women, Baxter Co. Democratic Club, The Democratic Women’s Club and Mtn. Home Coterie. She helped former President Clinton with several political campaigns. After retirement, she was a dedicated volunteer at the Christian Clinic in Mtn. Home for many years. Upon moving closer to her family in Jonesboro, she continued to stay involved and committed to her mission of helping people through the ministries of First Baptist Church Women on Missions and Homelink.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, bother Gaston Elkins; sisters, Ardelia, Maddox, Glyde Trull.

Survivors include son, Mike Crotts (Barbara) of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Mekelle Stanley (Bill) of Jonesboro, Robb Crotts (Rebecca) of Benton, AR. 4 great grandchildren; Hannah, Jennings, Roxy, R.T. and she also had 5 step grandchildren, Blake Briscoe (Toni), Leighann Warzecha (Keith), Susan Greenwood (Bill), Dan Briscoe (Carol), Wendy Tingle and their children.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 10-11 AM at the First Baptist Church with service following at 11:00 AM with Bruce Venable. There will be a committal service in Benton, Arkansas at Rosemont Cemetery at 4 PM with Rick Grant officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House, 1138 E Matthews, Jonesboro, AR 72401, (870)336-4200 or First Baptist Church Building Fund, 701 S Main, Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870)932-3456.

For online registry go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com