Mardest

Crosby

On July 23rd, 1948, Mardest Crosby was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Jake and Arcelia McGrew. Mardest Crosby (born McGrew) was called home to be with Jesus on Sunday, September 21st, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved son Matthew McAllister (d, 2006), and her sister Yvonne Andrews (d, 2024). She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly, including her daughter Sharon Henley, grandson Sean Henley (Abby), and her brothers Danny McGrew (Lilly), and Jake McGrew.

She graduated from Austin-East High School in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1966, and went on to earn her certificate in executive secretarial work. After moving to Toledo, she began her career at Toledo Hospital, where she became one of the first African American women in her department to serve as lead secretary. She later continued her career at Propak Industries before retiring, where she enjoyed dedicating her time to family, faith, and community, leaving a lasting impression on those blessed to know her.

Mardest enjoyed a full and joyful life surrounded by family and friends. She loved traveling and spending time at the beach, preparing meals for her loved ones, and hosting holidays where her cooking brought everyone together. She shared a special bond with her grandson, often watching the Spurs and cheering on her favorite player, Tim Duncan. Music, dancing, and singing were lifelong passions, and she was a devoted member of several church choirs throughout the city (Friendship, Rhema Word, Second Baptist of Monclova, and the city-wide Gospel choir). At home, she loved her favorite songs- especially Treat Her Like a Lady by The Temptations, and always had Gladiator on repeat (thanks to Russell Crowe). She also found joy in her daily "stories," The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and couldn't get enough of Steve Harvey on Family Feud.

She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her strong-willed spirit, and the love she poured into her family. While her legacy will live on in the lives she touched, she will be deeply missed and forever cherished.