Joan Carol Gibson Crouch, age 79 years, a resident of East Dailey, WV departed this life Saturday morning, November 7, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Mountain Hospice. She had been in declining health for the past year although death was unexpected.
She was born Friday, February 21, 1941 at Elkins, WV a daughter of the late Solomon Ryan and Emma Belle Smith Gibson. She was twice married. First, to Ray Michael Fretwell, who preceded her in death. Second, to William Crouch, who preceded her in death. Her special companion of thirty years, Lacy Parker Canfield, preceded her in death October 29, 2007. Surviving are two sons, Richard Ray Fretwell and companion Teresa Corcoran of Elkins, Ronald Eugene Fretwell and wife Kristel of Pensacola, FL; one daughter, Angela Christine “Angie” Fretwell and companion Randy Price of Elkins; two brothers, William Gibson and Guy Gibson, both of Elkins; two sisters, Leota “Runt” West of Elkins, Connie “Corn” Boyles of Flatwoods, KY; nine grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death are one infant son, Ray Jr.; three brothers, Richard, Robert and Berlin “Bug” Gibson; and two sisters, Norma “Butch” Sutton and Cleota “Biggy” Vanscoy.
She was a graduate of Elkins High School, and retired as a nurse’s aid from Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center. After retirement she worked for the Foster Grandparent Program at three schools in Randolph County. She was an avid fisherman. She and Lacy spent many days on the boat fishing on several area lakes. She enjoyed spending time with her family camping, enjoyed watching all sports and especially loved Dale Earnhardt, the Mountaineers and the Kentucky Wildcats. She was Presbyterian by faith.
Joan’s request for cremation was honored. The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins on Friday, November 20, 2020 from 10 AM to 11 AM. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, November 20, 2020. Pastor Ann Fretwell will officiate and inurnment will follow at the Elkins Memorial Gardens on the Country Club Road, Elkins, WV. As we continue to follow the CDC guidelines, social distancing as well as masks will be required for those in attendance. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Mill Creek Nutrition Site, P. O. Box 445, Mill Creek, WV 26280 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
