Agnes Jeanne Crowe Sercer
Agnes Jeanne Crowe Sercer, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away in her home on Tuesday, June 28, one day after celebrating her 90th birthday, and surrounded by her loving children. By all accounts she was a beautiful, caring person who never met a stranger.
Agnes was born on June 27, 1932, in Chattanooga, Tn., to Jean Oliver and Patrick Crowe. She attended Notre Dame High School and went on to receive her teaching degree and certification from Siena College in Memphis - the first Catholic Women’s college in the Nashville Diocese. After college she returned to Chattanooga and taught 4th grade English in the Harrison County School District.
In 1955, she married Richard “Dick” Sercer, and together they had seven children. In 1972, they relocated to Beverly, Ohio, where Agnes was very active in the community: St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, the local voting polls, her children’s school activities, and her tennis and bridge clubs. She and her husband began to travel.
After their retirement, Agnes and Dick returned to the Chattanooga area, and she resumed her involvement in St. Jude’s Catholic Church and the local community, while they continued to see the world.
In 2009, after Dick’s passing, Agnes moved to St. George Village in Roswell, Ga., to be closer to her children. She thrived at St. George where she was an active member of virtually every activity available, with her favorites being Resident Council, the Villagers chorus group, Water Aerobics, and bi-weekly happy hours. She established a bird-viewing station where she greeted every bird and every resident on a daily basis. She prayed the rosary so frequently, she had a “rosary doctor” on call for repairs. She has been described by various people there as “the mayor,” “the light,” and “the heart” of St. George, and she will be dearly missed.
Throughout her life, Agnes lit up every room she entered. Her loving, welcoming spirit made an impact on many people. She was a joyful presence with her beautiful smile, her infectious laugh, her twinkling Irish eyes, her quick wit, and her colorful hats. She loved her family, her friends, and her fellow man, known and unknown. Her home radiated warmth and kindness for all who entered, and many of her children’s friends describe Agnes as a second mother, someone who always made them feel welcome and loved.
She was an avid reader, bird watcher, cat lover, crossword puzzle enthusiast, cross country skier, and devoted Roman Catholic.
When asked about her greatest happiness, she responded without hesitation “my seven children,” and she was treasured by each one in turn.
Agnes was predeceased by her husband Richard, her eldest daughter, Connie (Mike) Williams, and her parents, Patrick Crowe, Sr., and Jean Oliver Crowe.
She is survived by her children, Jean (Brett) Fox, Donald, Shari (Mike) Moors, Pegeen Kottak, Nick (Jenny), and Angela (Kim); grandchildren, Adam and Kayla Williams, Emily, Chloe and Nathan Kottak, George, Phoebe and Audrey Sercer, and Quinn Sercer; and siblings Patrick Crowe, Jr., Francis Crowe, and Margaret Bigner.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Chattanooga. The family will also receive friends for visitation on Friday, July 22, from 5-7 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in her name to Catholic Charities USA here.