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Joe Ann Chambers Crutcher passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born on August 20, 1933, in Athens, Alabama, to Lear Watson Chambers and Helen Blackburn Chambers.
Joe Ann was a proud graduate of Athens High School, where she served as Drum Major for the Golden Eagle Band. Following high school, she attended the Birmingham Conservatory of Music, earning a degree in Piano Performance. She was also a graduate of Athens College, where she was honored as the first Founder’s Queen.
Her love for music shaped her life’s work. For many years, Joe Ann taught private piano lessons, sharing her gift and passion with hundreds of students in the Athens community. She also faithfully served as organist at several local congregations, including Athens First United Methodist Church, Athens First Presbyterian Church, and Athens First Christian Church.
In addition to her dedication to music, Joe Ann was a strong advocate for education and community service. She served on the Athens Board of Education and was an active member of several social clubs and organizations, including the Athens Band Parent’s. She was especially proud to be a charter member of the Athens Athena League, where she contributed greatly to the cultural life of the community.
Joe Ann was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of nearly 70 years, William Baker Crutcher, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Canna Crutcher Ricketts (Randy), and her son, William Baker Crutcher III, grandchildren, Chambers Crutcher Ricketts (Melissa), Jacob Alexander Ricketts (Meagan), and Annalear Ricketts Davis (Nicholas). She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Noah William Ricketts, Samuel Arthur Ricketts, Ethan Marshall Ricketts, Sonny Radford Ricketts, and Grady Aaron Davis.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Spry Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Athens City Cemetery, with John Ryberg, Senior Minister of Athens First Methodist Church; Clint Coffey, Minister of First Christian Church, Athens; and Jeff Bayne, Retired United Methodist Minister, officiating.
Pallbearers will be Chambers Ricketts, Jacob Ricketts, Nic Davis, Ricky Burgreen, Lindsay Burgreen, and Bryan Nelson.
In remembrance of Joe Ann’s love for music, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Music Fund at Athens First Methodist Church.
