Claudine Crosby

Miles~Nobles Funeral Home announces the death of Claudine Aldridge Crosby, 91 years of age, left this life to be with her Lord and loved ones on December 18, 2013, in Jacksonville, Florida, after a brief illness.

Mrs. Crosby was born in Appling County, Georgia, on February 27, 1922, the first child and only daughter of Claude and Versie Miles Aldridge. She attended Dyal and Baxley High schools. She married Otis Crosby on August 10, 1938. They lived in Baxley, Georgia, Jacksonville, Florida, and Alma, Georgia, during their marriage. In 1994, Mrs. Crosby again moved to Jacksonville to be near her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, four brothers (Buford, Eugene, Charles, and James Aldridge), son-in-law, John Unterspan, sister-in-law Gloria (Buford) Aldridge, sister-in-law Betty (Charles) Aldridge and nephew Gary (Renee) Harmony, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughters, Karolyn McKoy (Jim) and Ree Unterspan; three grandchildren, Deena M. Taylor, James M. McKoy, Jr., and Leigh A. Unterspan; two great-grandchildren, Charles Wesley and Peter Miles Taylor; and sister-in-law, Lucille Aldridge. Additional survivors include seven nieces, Sherry (Lafayette) Crosby, Renee Harmony, Billie (Doug) Hirsch, Donna (David) Neeley, Jamee (Ed) Martin, Betty (Wayne) Blackburn, and Glenda Crosby; and one nephew, Wendell Crosby.

Mrs. Crosby was one of the "Greatest Generation." While her husband was serving in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines during World War II, Claudine worked at the shipyards in Jacksonville helping build Liberty Ships.

She held memberships in the Order of the Eastern Star, Woodman of the World, Exchange Club, Lions Club, and DAR, the Alma United Methodist Church, Alma; and Lakewood United Methodist Church, Jacksonville.

While living in Alma, among other employments, Mrs. Crosby managed the Bacon County Tax Equalization Program and Tax Assessors Office for 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby also owned and operated White's Auto Store from 1972 to 1983.

Mrs. Crosby greatly loved her family and friends and that love was reciprocated. She will be remembered most for her giving spirit, her excellent cooking, her talent for interior decorating and landscaping. No matter how humble her surroundings, she made it into a beautiful and comfortable home. She was an excellent seamstress and made many beautiful dresses and costumes for her daughters, grandchildren and others.


Visitation for Mrs. Crosby was held from 2-3 p.m. Her life was celebrated at 3:00 p.m. December 21 at the chapel of the Miles-Nobles Funeral Home, Baxley, Georgia, with great-nephew Rev. Todd Crosby officiating. The interment was at Miles Cemetery, Appling County, Georgia.

Active pallbearers will be David Neeley, James McKoy Jr., Ed Martin, Michael Taylor, Shawn Neeley and Randall Odum.

Memorials to Mrs. Crosby may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 6133 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32217 or Alma United Methodist Church, 602 N. Dixon Street, Alma, GA 31510.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book at milesnobles.com.

Miles~Nobles Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Claudine Aldridge Crosby.