MAXINE CROSSLEY

LAMAR- A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Busby Cemetery in Goreville, Ill., for Emma Maxine Crossley, 91, Lamar, and formerly of Joplin, who died Sunday, Aug. 20, 1917, at Truman Healthcare Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include a son, Martin Crossley, Lamar; a sister, Elizabeth, New Mexico; two grandsons, James Crossley and wife Stephanie, Lamar and Thomas Crossley and wife Jennifer, Joplin; two granddaughters, Leslie and Julie, Michigan and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Otto Crossley; a son, William Otto Crossley, Jr., and a brother, Bill Girtman.

Mrs. Crossley was born Aug. 8, 1926, in Marionville, Ill., to Jean and Opal (VanVeer) Girtman. After graduating high school she pursued a career in special education, ultimately earning her Doctorate of Education. She was a speech specialist and educational specialist and finally a principal of a school for children with disabilities. In 2009 she moved to Joplin from California, to live with her son. She was a member of the Zonta Club in California and was passionate about educating children.