When the Preacher's Wife Went Crazy

I have been blessed to know some terrific pastors' wives. This time of year coupled with a photograph triggered some wonderful memories of one of them.

Susie Crowley and Halloween

             Recently I was perusing some of Angie’s photographs of memorable church activities. What a delight to find the one below of Susie and John Crowley. This photograph was taken in October of 1978, at a youth party hosted by Barbara Rice for the youth class that she had just begun teaching. She planned it as a fun activity for the youth – a costume party. Susie Crowley, the pastor’s wife, dressed as a crazy doctor and had John, the pastor, in tow as an unwilling patient. Susie is now deceased, but I have such treasured memories of her. After her death, I spoke with John about her. She was bubbly and always had an infectious laugh. Her whole face smiled. John agreed with me that she was the funny one in their marriage and he was more serious. It was a perfect balance.

Susie Crowley dressed as a crazy doctor injecting her patient/victim, John,
her husband who was pastor at Ralston Baptist Church from 1974 through 1978.

             One of the most telling memories of Susie occurred at Falls Creek, a summer youth camp. Following a torrential rain that Falls Creek is famous for having, the older cabin in which we were staying flooded. The kitchen and dining hall were the primary areas that had several inches of rain flowing through them. We began helping the sponsors bail out the water. What an arduous task! Susie was her easy-going, humorous self even amidst these mini-crisis situations.  After lots of bailing, the water was still flowing. Susie just grabbed a cookie sheet, sat down on it, and laughed hilariously as she slid across the slick floor. She taught a great deal about how to handle a seemingly impossible situation.

               Susie was a perfect example of a couple of verses from Proverbs. In Proverbs 15:13a we read, A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance… and then  A merry heart does good like medicine...from Proverbs 17:22a. I believe strongly one of the most successful anti-aging procedures is putting a smile on my face. Just look in the mirror without the smile and then be amazed as you see the years vanish when you break into a smile. The results are incredibly effective for impacting your facial appearance and even more so internally in lifting your spirit. Susie Crowley knew this so well.

Susie Crowley laughing even when photographed putting
on her makeup at Falls Creek.

                Over the years, many people have indicated that their lives were impacted in a lasting way because of the influence of John and Susie during the  mid 1970s. Several others have told of life-changing experiences with the Lord during John Crowley’s ministry at the Ralston Baptist Church. John consistently preached the Bible and encouraged his congregation to live out what they learned. Talented, funny, easygoing Susie was the godly woman supporting him as he ministered effectively in the community.