Frances Lambert Crosby was born on January 19, 1936, in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Matthew Lambert and Flossie Dula Curlee and departed this life on May 4, 2024.

Ms. Crosby attended Woodland, Skyland, Atkins and Paisley public schools in Winston-Salem, NC. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University, and a Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a Psychiatry specialty from the Medical College of Georgia. Ms. Crosby's career spanned more than half a century, including serving as a Registered Nurse at Forsyth Medical Center. As a nurse, she touched the lives of countless patients with her compassion, kindness, and expertise. Her colleagues and patients alike were inspired by her tireless work ethic and her unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care to those in need.

Ms. Crosby also employed her skills and talent in the academic arena where she worked at several schools of higher learning. She served as instructor in the Licensed Practical Nursing program at Forsyth Technical Community College, assistant professor in the School of Nursing at both Winston-Salem State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Ms. Crosby dedicated her life to Christ nearly 75 years ago. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Carver Road church of Christ where she labored as a member of the ladies' ministry and a youth Sunday school teacher. She was a person of deep faith.

Concurrent to her busy civilian career, she honorably served in the United States Army Nursing Corps attached to the 312th Evacuation Hospital Unit based in Greensboro, NC. There, she exhibited unwavering dedication, bravery, and selflessness. Her service to our country was a testament to her strong sense of duty and her commitment to making the world a safer place. Ms. Crosby retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Following an exemplary clinical and academic professional career, Ms. Crosby ultimately retired from Forsyth-Stokes Mental Health Center, formerly known as Center Point Human Services, as an out patient psychiatric nurse manager and preceptor.

Ms. Crosby was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, always putting the needs of others before her own. Ms. Crosby was preceded in death by her well-loved and devoted husband of 38 years, Grady Crosby of York County, South Carolina, sister Patricia Garrett Reed (Lafayette), eldest son Larry Coplin (Mary Ann) and grandson David L. Coplin (Delora).

She leaves in mourning her sister, Dr. Betty Nyongoni of Washington D.C., children, Adolphus Coplin, Jr. (Valarie) of Pfafftown, NC, Crystal Coplin Griffen (Kevin) of Charlotte, NC, and Grady L. Crosby, Esq. (Monique) of Milwaukee, WI. She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Chicana Moore, Larry Coplin, Jr. (Maggie), Jasmine Griffen Evans (Samuel), Michael Coplin (Harolynn), Dr. Shari Griffen, Christina Barksdale (James), Grady L. Crosby, III, Esq., Alexis Griffen, Aliyah Coplin, 20 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her legacy of service and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Ms. Crosby will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire us to live our lives with the same sense of dedication and love that she embodied.

Ms. Crosby was aware of her legacy of life. Upon reflection of her life journey, she was quoted as saying:

"I have had a full life. I have helped a lot of people. I am proud of the respect I earned in the health field as I taught legions of student nurses; healed countless patients; and supported numerous peers and colleagues."

Rest in peace, dear mother. Your service and your love for the Lord will never be forgotten.

Services to honor her memory will be held on May 13th at the Carver Road Church of Christ. Family visitation hour will begin at 11AM with Celebration of Life commencing at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in memory of Frances L. Crosby to the Winston-Salem State University Foundation. Please indicate WSSU Alumni Frances L. Crosby Nursing Scholarship in your gift acknowledgement. Gifts may also be mailed to the WSSU Foundation, 601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 311 Blair Hall, Winston-Salem, NC 27110. The secure link to donate is:

https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=4d96bd