Mary Inez Gibbs Crutchfield was a woman of beauty, talent and compassion, founded on a base of great character. We celebrate the life of an amazing woman of great dignity and grace, as well as power and perseverance. She made significant impacts in her community in many spheres of influence, most notably in education, civil rights and politics.

Inez Crutchfield was a devoted faculty member of Tennessee State University for decades, educating and inspiring generations of alumni who have gone on to contribute to society and lead productive lives.

She was the First African American woman to serve as a Representative for Tennessee on the Democratic National Committee, and first African American woman to serve as president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Davidson County. She served proudly and prominently as a Superdelegate for the Democratic National Convention in 2008 in support of President Barack Obama.

Born January 21, 1925, she transitioned quietly in her sleep early on the morning of Monday, September 16th. She went on to glory to rejoin her husband and high school sweetheart Carl Crutchfield, her parents, and other dear friends who preceded her.

She is survived by her devoted children,  son Carlton and daughter Maribeth, along with grandchildren and other relatives.

The final homegoing arrangements were unavailable at press time, and while not complete, include visitation and a service at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill on Monday, September 23, followed by internment at Greenwood Cemetery in Lebanon, Tennessee, alongside her parents and husband on September23rd.

Complete services information and a full obituary may be found on the Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors website.