(1913 – 1991)
The first twenty years of her professional career were devoted to teaching home economics in Alabama schools. Another twenty-three were with Alabama Extension as home demonstration agent in Lee County. For forty-three years, Elisabeth Craig Crum worked with and for the people of Alabama.
Born in Pulaski, Tennessee, she finished high school in Greenville, South Carolina, and came to Auburn in 1931 to attend Auburn University. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in 1935 and began teaching home economics in the high schools of Alabama. From 1935 to 1955, she taught in Rockford, Greenville, Brewton, Childersburg, Clayton, and Eufaula.
It was a natural move for her to the position of assistant home demonstration agent in Lee County in June of 1955. As the assistant agent, she was responsible for the 4-H programs for the young girls in Lee County. She was promoted to home demonstration agent in 1957 following the promotion of Eunice Ivey to district agent.
Mrs. Crum was a faithful and efficient Extension worker who firmly believed in the principles of the Smith-Lever Act, which created the Extension system. She ran a strong home demonstration program and will long be remembered by the Lee County club women for her untiring efforts on their behalf.
Mrs. Crum continued to make her home in Opelika, Alabama, after her retirement on July 1, 1978. She is survived by her son, Edward of Auburn, and her daughter, Jane Walker of Hueytown. Elisabeth C. Crum was a lady of high ideals, and it is, therefore, very fitting that we honor her service to the people of Alabama by inscribing her name on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 317
