Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me although he be dead, shall live.” John 11 :25 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens. “ — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Melanie Victoria “Vicki” Crouch was born on July 29, 1962 to the late Hubert Branch Crouch, Jr., and Josephine Crouch of Nash ville, Tennessee. She is the youngest of two born of their union. Sisters, Vicki and Valerie, had an inseparable bond and have been best friends since childhood.
Vicki departed this earthly realm and spread her wings to live eternally with the Lord on Sunday, July 28, 2019, one day before her birthday. Vicki commanded exceptional aptitude for learning and thus excelled academically. She received her early education at St. Vincent De Paul. She received her high school education from Maplewood Comprehensive High School. Continuing the rich legacy and proud family tradition, Vicki attended Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, for her higher education studies. Following in the footsteps of her grandparents, the late Dr. and Mrs. Hubert Branch Crouch along with her parents, Vicki always knew she was called to be an educator. She had a remarkable ability to reach students of all ages from all walks of life. Vicki dedicated her professional career to teaching and counseling youth in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee. For the past 6 years, Vicki was a History and Social Studies teacher at Johnson Leaming Center, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Nothing gave Vicki greater joy than seeing her students excel. As a woman of faith, Vicki accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior early in life. She was a member of The Temple Church, Nashville, Tennessee. Vicki personified the greatest gift which is love. Her infectious outgoing temperament, joyful spirit, and million-dollar smile, made an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
Vicki was smart, loving, sensitive, caring and giving. She had a deep passion for life and believed in maximizing every moment. Despite life’s challenges, she remained upbeat and positive and kept the faith. Vicki and her aunt Amy whom she affectionately called Aunt Gamet, had a special bond all through Vicki’s life. Within their illnesses, they prayed together, shared scriptures and other spiritual faith building materials, often reaffirming their faith in God believing that He can do all things but fail.
Vicki was a dutiful and loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and dear friend. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by close family and true friends. Almost everyone she met became a forever friend. With her larger than life magnetic personality and contagious laughter, Vicki was always the life of frequent family gatherings and other social settings. Vicki also enjoyed socializing with friends and participating in various charitable endeavors. Family and friends will forever keep the unforgettable and adorable Melanie Victoria “Vicki” Crouch in their hearts. She leaves to cherish her memory, devoted mother, Josephine Crouch; loving sister, Valerie Cobbs and brother in-law, Dr. Winston Cobbs; nieces, Dr. Noelle (Karron) Hurks, and Paige Cobbs, Esq.; God-mother, Thelma Howse; God-sister and special friend, Michelle Bailey; aunts, Amy Gamet Cato, Ph.D., Ann Shipp and Pastor Sandra Crouch; uncles, Wendell Davison (Jean) and Reginald Davison (Patricia), a host of cousins of which two were born within months of Vicki’s birth, Dr. James Cato (Brenda), and Shawn Carthon with whom she remained closely connected throughout her life. Natasha Yokley, Christal (Norman) Merrifield, Beverly (Samuel) McDonald and Deborah Searcy who provided love and care especially during her illness. Devoted family friends and neighbors, the Jackson family. Devoted friend, Larry Ware -whom she viewed as a brother, as well as other extended family, countless other dear friends, and her devoted dog, Layla.
She is also preceded in death by a host of other relatives