Shirley Crooks Hutson, age 90, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023.
She was born on July 16, 1932, in Milford, MA, to the late Elmer and Catherine Crooks.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas Milton Hutson. Siblings, Howard Crooks, Marcia Crooks, and Diana Crooks.
Shirley grew up in Bellingham, MA on her parent’s dairy farm. Through her childhood years, she developed skills in cooking and sewing taught by her mother. She attended college at University of Massachusetts and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts and Education with a focus in home economics. Following college, she moved to Connecticut to teach high school home economics. While there, she met her future husband Tom on a blind date with friends.
August 30, 1958, she and Tom were married in Woonsocket, RI. They quickly moved to Tennessee where Shirley began her role as a faithful and supportive wife of a priest in the Episcopal Church. During this time, she taught Sunday School and vacation bible school, used her talents and joy of cooking for church events, and was an active member of Daughters of The King. She did all of this, while also raising four children.
When Shirley’s children were young, she was a “stay-at-home-mom”. Shirley was an exceptional wife and mother. She cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help. She regularly brought meals to the home of sick friends and neighbors. And she always ensured that her children were safe, healthy, and happy.
As her children grew, Shirley started working outside of the home. She used her expertise running the kitchen at the Second Presbyterian Church of Knoxville. Later, she was well known in the community for her party planning and cooking skills while working at The Centennial Club in Nashville. In the family, however, her grandchildren will cherish all the memories of making the perfect cookies, cakes, and pies for holidays and birthdays.
After retirement, Shirley and Tom continued to be active in the church. They were devoted in helping refugees in their church at All Saints in Smyrna. They also continued to travel around the country exploring many national parks and collecting refrigerator magnets and hiking stick medallions.
Shirley is survived by sister Janet Hendrickson. Children, Martha Bowden (Rusty), Sarah Iriks (Brian), Daniel Hutson (Brenda), and Elizabeth Westerman (Ned). Grandchildren, Leslie Price (Eric), Sarah Beth Miles, Mary Catherine Bowden, Madeline Bowden, Heather Iriks, and Thomas Westerman. Great grandchildren, Carleigh Bowling, Wyatt Price, and Carson Bowling, and Nieces and Nephews.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Hutson family.
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