Janice Loretta "Monk" Beard Crabtree, 85, a cherished wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and sister, departed this life on January 17, 2025, as her sister's residence.

She was born on June 25, 1939, in Maryville, TN, to the late Byran and Marie Passmore Beard.

"Monk" learned at an early age the beauty of life filled with simplicity and strived to carry on in that manner. She was a true family woman. Always smiling and cherishing the special moments whether it was helping on the family's poultry farm or attending the dog track races in Panama City Beach, "Monk" devoted her life to caring for others. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church and was an outdoor enthusiast.

In addition to her parents, Byran and Marie Beard, she was preceded in death by her faithful and devoted husband of 65 years, James "Jimbo" Crabtree; daughter, Jeanie Lynn Benton; brother, Jack Beard; sister-in-law, Peggy Beard; and brother-in-law, Frank Hammons Jr.

Left to cherish the many memories include her sister and caretaker, Rita Beard Hammons; grandson, Terry Randall "T.R." Stone; nieces, Karen (Brandon) Dilbeck, and Jennifer Ledford; nephew, Troy Hammons. Several extended family members and a community of friends also survive.

A graveside committal service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Benton Town Cemetery, with Pastor Richard Mason officiating. Her family will serve as pallbearers.

Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Higgins Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.