When I came to Alta Woods Baptist Church as pastor in 1985, I was impressed by many persons and facets of the church.  One of the most impressive was Ms. Merle Crumpton, who was the director of the church's kindergarten/day care center.  Ms. Crumpton became the director of the center after its founding director, Winona Reese, resigned in the late 1950's.  At that time it contained only a kindergarten.  The day care came later.  The building was constructed in the early 1960's.  Ms. Crumpton was a significant presence during that entire time.

If this k/dc was not the first in the Jackson area or in the state of Mississippi sponsored by a church, then it was one of the first.  For many years, it was the flagship church sponsored k/dc in the state.  It still boasted an enrollment of more than 300 children as late as 1985.  Who could possibly calculate the effect of this k/dc over the years?  Certainly it would be almost impossible to overestimate.  Generations of children got their start in a Christian kindergarten and preschool there with caring Christian teachers.  These children now are in positions of leadership all over the Jackson metro area, throughout Mississippi, the USA, and indeed all over the world.  Ms. Crumpton was the driving force behind the k/dc for many years.

She was the same whenever you met her.  Always had a smile and cheerful greeting.  I think she remembered every funny thing she ever heard about everyone she knew.  I have so many memories of laughing with her.  She had an infectious laugh.  Merle used humor in a very effective way.  Most of all, she loved children and had a tremendous understanding of children.  We had long discussions about how children develop.  She had pointed opinions about ways that day care centers and kindergartens were pushing children to do things beyond their "developmental abilities."  Merle wanted children to grow up properly, but she also wanted them to be children when they were children.  She had two of my children in the kindergarten, and they flourished there.

Merle was a loyal staff member.  She loved Alta Woods Baptist Church, even after she moved to Brandon, Mississippi, several years ago.  She remained a member of one of our mission groups and kept up with people.  To say that she will be missed is an understatement.  One of the Giants of the Land has gone from among us.  She was a true pioneer in church sponsored kindergartens and day care centers.  She was the first to lead out in so many ways in Christian child care.  She will be missed, and we honor her memory.