Merry Kay Crum

February 29, 1952 - April 6, 2022

Merry Kay Crum, 70 passed away on April 6th 2022 after a brave and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family and passed away peacefully. Merry Kay was born in a leap year on February 29,1952 in Buchanan, West Virginia. She had an identical twin named Jerry Ray Blackford. They were inseparable and loved each other deeply. They were adopted by Flora B and Jack D Blackford in Ohio. Jack and Flora soon moved to Orlando where they owned a grocery store and then eventually bought a Blackford's IGA grocery store in downtown Tavares. Jack was the meat cutter and Flora ran the register. Merry Kay attended Tavares High School where she starred as a majorette in the high school band and graduated in 1969. Merry Kay was passionate about music and would even boldly get up and sing in her brother’s two bands Maiden Voyage and Full Tilt. Her favorite song to sing back up in was “Mony Mony”. Merry Kay’ closest lifelong best friends were Ruth Smith Brunner, Rozzie McCall, Glenda LeBlanc, and Angel Layton. Merry Kay spent her latter 3 years living at Advent Care Center Waterman where she thrived and enriched the lives of all those she came in contact with. Despite her battle with cancer, she was determined to live her best life. She not only participated in the daily activities she encouraged others to participate. In this way, Merry Kay was a light. She laughed a contagious laugh, danced shamelessly, clapped for others, painted outside the lines, boldly explored her creativity, joked about herself, shared all that she could give, sang on purpose and out loud, entertained, participated in theatrics, volunteered her talents, encouraged everyone, advocated for others, embraced new residents, spoke her mind, but most of all, she laughed so much that we couldn’t help but laugh with her. She loved hard...and she was loved right back by all those who had the joy of knowing her. She was fierce and benevolently referred to as “Queen” or “Mama Crumster”. We will miss the warmth and kindness that Merry Kay’s life brought and the hole left by her absence will carry on her legacy in our hearts forever. Family Life Merry Kay was preceded by in death: Grandparents Roy and Amanda Parker Nee (Bragg), Mother Wanda Bevins Nee (Parker) 5-30-93, Step Father Everett Bevins 1-3-21, sister and Brother, Twin Jerry Blackford on 12-6-13, Evelyn Smith on 8-6-2013. Merry Kay is survived by her sister Sue, (Tim) Logsdon Lorain, Ohio and Brother Randy (Karyn) Bevins Vero Beach, Florida. Her beautiful and resilient daughter, Amanda Faith Hall who married her favorite son in law Jeffrey Steven Hall (“because he’s the only one I’ve got”); her Nephew Michael Blackford; two granddaughters, Kayla Baker and Alice Amanda Noel; three great children Tayton Anthony Wisniewski and twins Charlie Jo Noel and Ian Joseph Noel. She was a happy Dog Gramma and loved (and they loved her!) Amanda’s Australian Shepherds Bailey & Abigail Hall. Her nieces and nephews are Jennifer (Mike) Traft Lancaster, Ohio Nicole Wolfgang Vermilion, Ohio Jeff (Sarah) Wolfgang Crawfordville, Florida, Michael Smith Wooster, Ohio, Grant Bevins Mascotte, Fl, Sierra Bevins Vero Beach, Florida, and many great nieces and nephews in Ohio Parker/Bevins Family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Merry Kay Crum’s name to Florida Cancer Foundation FCSF.org. Merry Kay was passionate about this foundation because it helps cancer patients who can’t afford treatment. Services will be announced at a later date. The family would like to give special acknowledgement to her care team: ACC Waterman Care Center Dr Ruth Meneses-Taylor Dr Robert Boswell Dr Maen Hussien Dr Ajit Hansalia & Averi Advent Health 6the floor North Care Team Vitas Hospice Cornerstone Hospice