The Friday Finish - Living Legend Librarian Passes - Thank You Thoughtfulness - Hope for 2026
- Tim Crawford
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
January 2, 2026
Living Legend Librarian Passes
Hearts were heavy this week to hear of the passing of Phyllis Crouse, former Red Bird School teacher and librarian on Saturday. The Red Bird School Alumni Association (RBSAA) formalized her status with the Living Legend Award in October, but students and staff knew many years ago that Phyllis Crouse was a Red Bird legend. She may have been the youngest sister of other Red Bird legends, Randy and Shirley, but her impact on the Red Bird School and Beverly communities was widely recognized. Social media comments on her passing included,
“such a big part of Red Bird,”
“always a smiling, friendly face in the library when I attended Red Bird School,”
and
“I remember her from when I went to Red Bird Camp as a child.”
Her quiet manner and warm smile communicated her love of God and God’s people to whomever she met. Other comments shared include,
“a kind soul,”
“a heart of gold and a smile for everyone,”
“one of the sweetest, most amazing women I've ever met,”
and,
"They [Phyllis and Shirley] were the very best examples of how to live the Christian life.”
Phyllis first came to Red Bird Mission School teaching 1st Grade but after obtaining Librarian certification, Phyllis made an impact on hundreds of students fostering a love for reading as the school librarian. Red Bird Christian School Principal Jennifer Wilder said,
“Phyllis Crouse was a steadfast educator and faithful servant at Red Bird School. As an elementary teacher, piano teacher, and librarian, Phyllis impacted many children and their families. Her legacy lives on and we celebrate her!”
Phyllis was also an active member of the Beverly United Methodist Church contributing to the spiritual formation of others through her witness. Pastor Nathan Lewis commented,
“A wonderful lady. Rest in peace my wonderful teacher and sister in Jesus.”
She volunteered with the RBSAA and throughout the community willingly doing whatever was needed to make life better. Red Bird Mission Executive Director Jamie Collett added,
“Phyllis Crouse’s impact on the Red Bird Mission and school was immense. As a lifelong missionary, teacher, and librarian she helped generations to learn, to grow and to serve. She will be sorely missed by all of her Red Bird family.”
Thank You for Your Thoughtfulness
Our Community Outreach staff shared a note they recently received from a long time donor of in kind items used in our assistance to everyday needs of people. In that note, this donor stated that she puts a
“great deal of thought into what I send.”
As we begin the New Year, we wanted to take this opportunity through The Friday Finish to recognize that every donation – in kind items, monetary gifts, or volunteer service – comes here with a great deal of thoughtfulness and love from each of you. We shudder to think what the lives of the people served by Red Bird Mission would be like without the love and thoughtfulness of thousands of caring donors.
Hope for 2026
We brought a focus to the reality that the programs and ministries of Red Bird Mission, Inc., Red Bird Clinic, Inc., and Red Bird Mission Housing, Inc., bring hope to literally thousands of people living in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky. We asked some of our program directors that lead and guide our staff and volunteers to share their hopes for their departments and themselves as we all start afresh in 2026.
Education
My hopes for Red Bird Christian School in 2026 are to see an increase in student enrollment and support (from families and the community) as we continue to provide opportunities for spiritual development, academic leadership, and workforce development. I pray God’s call to serve is realized in each of us as He equips us to be His hands and feet.
For myself, I hope to focus in 2026 on my health and continue to grow in my personal relationship with my Lord and Savior.
Jennifer Wilder, Director of Education & Principal, Red Bird Christian School
Radiating Hope and Engaging in Mindfulness
1) My Community Outreach Department 2026 Goal: Harness the hope my Lord and Savior bestows upon me so I can radiate hope with my staff, community, and family.
2) My Personal 2026 Goals: Being mindful of my lifestyle choices to choose deliberate mindful engagement with my family, daily finding peaceful moments with the Lord, and being more physically active.
- Tracy Nolan, Director of Community Outreach, Community Health & Red Bird Mission Elderly Housing.
Economic Opportunities
1. Expand Cardinal Cafe Craft Center: Increase participation and showcase more local artisans, enhancing community engagement. Add pizza service. Recruit more short term and long term volunteers. Look at offering weekend retreats and research developing a camp ground.
2. Enhance Red Bird Community Store: Increase furniture donations to provide affordable furniture to our customers and sustain economic growth.
3. Grow Appalachia Program Development: Expand outreach and resources to support more families in sustainable gardening and farming practices. Expand the Farmers Market to accommodate increased demand for fresh produce for low income nutritional programs.
4. Civil Air Patrol Class: Increase enrollment and integrate advanced aviation technology courses to inspire future aviators and provide more hands on experiences.
5. Archery Team Success: Achieve higher competition rankings and foster teamwork and skills among students. Find more sponsors to support this wonderful program.
6. Foster Leadership Skills: Continue developing my leadership capabilities to effectively guide your teams and programs.
7. Strengthen Community Ties: Build stronger connections with community stakeholders to create more collaborative opportunities.
8. Professional Growth: Attend relevant workshops and seminars to stay updated on innovative practices and trends.
9. Personal Development: Focus on work-life balance by setting aside dedicated time for personal interests and relaxation.
– Kelton Adams, Director of Economic Opportunities
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