Nashville Celebrates the Life of Inez Crutchfield, a Trailblazer and Community Leader
Nashville is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and respected figures, Inez Crutchfield, who passed away Monday morning at the age of 99. Crutchfield made remarkable strides as a community leader, educator, and civil rights advocate, leaving behind a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Born and raised in the small town of Watertown, Tennessee, Inez Crutchfield’s journey began in a humble household, guided by her World War I veteran father, Dee Gibbs, and her mother, Bessie, an educator. Their dedication to learning undoubtedly shaped her path. It was at Tennessee A&I, now known as Tennessee State University, where she met her future husband, Carl Crutchfield. Together, they became not only partners in life but also in their commitment to education, teaching at TSU for decades.
Throughout her impressive career, Inez spent 37 years teaching health and physical education. Her impact reached beyond the classroom, playing a significant role in Nashville’s Civil Rights Movement. During this pivotal time, she was actively involved with student sit-ins and demonstrations, providing support and food to students who faced arrest for standing up against injustice. “I had many a mother I’d put my arms around and hold,” she once recounted, being there for parents worried about their children’s futures.
Breaking Barriers
One of Inez’s remarkable achievements came when she broke racial barriers within the local political scene. In 1963, alongside her close friend Carrie Gentry, she joined the Davidson County Democratic Party Women’s Club, making a profound statement about inclusivity. The accomplishments kept coming as she became the first African American woman to serve as a representative for Tennessee on the Democratic National Committee and later the first African American woman to lead the Davidson County Democratic Women’s Club.
Even into her later years, her commitment to service did not wane. She became a superdelegate supporting future President Barack Obama in 2008 and had a seat on a federal judicial selection committee. Her continued dedication earned her the prestigious Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award in 2019, honoring her myriad contributions to community service.
A Legacy of Love
While Inez Crutchfield’s professional accomplishments are impressive, those who knew her best remember her for her unwavering love and support as a wife and mother. She adored her children, Carlton and Beth, and was devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends and community members will always remember her gentle spirit and readiness to help others. As Davidson County Criminal Clerk Howard Gentry noted, “She’s a generation that really put in the work. She’s the last of that generation.”
A Community Coming Together
This weekend, Nashville will pay its respects to Inez Crutchfield as they celebrate her rich life and contributions. A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors. The following day, September 23, visitors can join in a visitation at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church-Capitol Hill, where various ceremonial events will take place, culminating with a Celebration of Life starting at noon. Inez will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Lebanon, a final resting place befitting such an extraordinary soul.
Inez Crutchfield’s life story is one of devotion, service, and immense impact. The community of Nashville and many beyond it will carry her legacy forward, inspired by her commitment to making the world a better place.
