Sister Bobbie Crabtree

Bobbie Jean Crabtree was born on August 20, 1923, in Burnside, Kentucky. On January 18, 2023, she finished her journey on earth and entered into the glories of Heaven.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Allen and Denise Crabtree of Panama City, Florida, one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Rev. Bryan Abernathy of St. Charles, Missouri; two grandsons, Shane (Tara) Crabtree and Shannon (Heidi) Crabtree, and one granddaughter, Shawna (Rev. William) Hobson; and eight precious great-grandchildren, Sydney Hobson, Grant Crabtree, Sheridan Hobson, Spencer Hobson, Liam Crabtree, Reed Crabtree, Brooklyn Crabtree and Ella Crabtree. Sis. Crabtree is also survived by one brother, Bill (Dolly) McElhaney; two sisters-in-laws, Marilyn McElhaney and Darla Crabtree, and a loving group of nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Rev. O. C. Crabtree; her parents, Rev. Earl and Marie McElhaney; and three siblings, Mary Robbins, Rev. Jim McElhaney and Betty Bibbs.

Sis. Crabtree began her ministry with her husband upon marriage on August 22, 1942 and his immediate enrollment in Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. She faithfully supported him during this time by working full time and also in their pastorate in Red Wing, Minnesota until Rev. Crabtree’s graduation in 1945. They evangelized until October 1947, when they were elected to the pastorate of the First Pentecostal Church of Panama City, Florida and remained faithful to this congregation until Rev. Crabtree’s election in 1982 as District Superintendent of the Florida District. In 1994, they took on the extra role in the pastorate of the United Pentecostal Church in Wewahitchka, Florida. Sis. Crabtree served as a loyal help mate to her husband in every role she was placed. Although quiet and unassuming, she was definitely strong and committed. Sis. Crabtree never waivered in the calling God placed on her life and was dearly loved and respected by every congregation, the Florida District and the entire United Pentecostal Church International.
Upon Rev. Crabtree’s passing in 1997, Sis. Crabtree moved back to Panama City, Florida and once again became a faithful member of the First Pentecostal Church. She was strong in her belief to be in church and never missed a service until her health would not allow in August 2022. Sis. Crabtree always felt these precious saints were her family and was affectionately and respectively referred to by them as “Queen Mother.”

Sis. Crabtree definitely had the heart of a servant and spent her entire life helping others. She was a hard worker and no task was too dirty or too hard and she served many years in the district campground kitchen and single-handily painted the entire Crabtree House there. She loved her church ladies and worked with them through chicken dinners and peanut brittle days. She also became a loyal supporter of the widows of the First Pentecostal Church and helped many of them with their day-to-day needs, and willingly transported some of them to church up until she reached the age of 95. Sis. Crabtree was truly a lady of God, always impeccably dressed and the epitome of godliness. She desired to be the best representative of her God and her church and remained faithful, committed and strong until the end of her journey here.
The Queen Mother has finally received her crown.



Acknowledgements:
Our family has been overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown to the Queen Mother.
Her Royal kingdom:
The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI)
The Florida District of the UPCI
Her Royal family:
The First Pentecostal Church of Panama City
Her Royal castle attendants:
Wanda Robbins
Yvonne “Star” Starks
Covenant Health Care and Hospice
Pruitt Rehabilitation Center
Her Royal carriage attendants:
Rev. Lee J. Hathaway
Dan Robbins
Greg Robbins
Russell Bradford
Anthony Woodard



 

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