Fannie Mae Beavers Branch Crowley, a beloved and longtime resident of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on December 14, 2025, at the age of ninety-two.
She was born on May 27, 1933, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Gus Beavers and Julia Arneatha Hamilton. She was raised in Arkansas, and her family later moved to Crosbyton, Texas, before ultimately settling in Altus, Oklahoma, the place she proudly called home for the rest of her life. Fannie attended Lincoln Public School in Altus and showed her selfless heart at a young age when she left school to care for her siblings after her mother became ill. Family always came first for her. Determined and resilient, she later earned her GED and went on to pursue a lifelong calling of caring for others. In 1986, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and also earned her EMT license, roles she carried out with compassion and pride.
Her life was filled with meaningful experiences and quiet adventures. In the 1960s, she lived in Dallas, Texas, where she worked in a ballet studio, as a short-order cook, and as a caregiver. On November 22, 1963, she witnessed history firsthand when she traveled to Fort Worth to see President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade, a moment she would remember for the rest of her life. In 1964, Fannie returned to Altus, where her heart and purpose were rooted. She dedicated her career to serving others through her work with Brown’s EMT Service, Jackson County Memorial Hospital, English Village Manor Nursing Home, and Plantation Village, where she later retired as an LPN. On December 13, 1991, she married J.C. Crowley in Vernon, Texas, and together they shared a life built on love and family.
A woman of unwavering faith, Fannie was a devoted member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Altus. She served as Vice President of the Choir, sang with the Altus Community Gospel Choir, taught with the Senior Mission Group, and chaired the Food Auxiliary. Fannie’s hands were rarely still. She was a gifted cook—especially famous for her peach cobbler—and a talented cake decorator who lovingly created wedding and birthday cakes for countless families. She found joy in sewing, baking, bargain shopping, and the occasional game of bingo. Most of all, she cherished time spent surrounded by her family.
She was truly the heart of her home—a caretaker’s caretaker. Fannie raised twelve of her grandchildren and served as a certified foster parent for children with developmental disabilities. Her door was always open, not only to foster children, but also to neighborhood children in need of a meal, a safe place, or a mother’s love. She also worked with the State of Oklahoma, providing compassionate in-home care for the elderly.
Fannie was preceded in death by her father, Gus Beavers; her mother and stepfather, Julia Ray and Joe Ray; husband, J.C. Crowley; her sisters Rosie Beavers, Jo Marie Hardiman, and Mary Lou Square; her children twin sons who passed at two weeks old, Terry Branch, Sharon Beavers, and Alice Porter; her grandchildren Inez Beavers and Karah Beason; and her best friend, Ollie Hart.
Her legacy of love continues through her siblings Sandra Gould, Mary Francis Jefferson, Lula Ray, Barbara Jordan (William), and Tommy Ray (Jackie); and her children James Beavers, Julia Branch, Glenda Branch, Pamela Bennett (David), Marvin Crowley (Stacie), Savoya Beavers, Shaquille Crowley, and Kajanae Estell.She is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren, seventy-eight great-grandchildren, thirty-three great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and countless friends—many of whom were never treated as strangers, but as family.
Fannie Mae Crowley lived a life of service, love, and sacrifice. Her kindness, strength, and unconditional love touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through generations. She will be deeply and forever missed.
The Beavers / Crowley family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma. Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Fannie Mae Beavers Branch Crowley, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
22
Dec
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
23
Dec
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
