Omentha L. Crowe

Omentha Lorine (Smith) Crowe, 98, entered eternal rest peacefully on March 24, 2026. Born on January 27, 1928, she lived a life deeply rooted in faith, love, strength, and unwavering service to others. To those who knew her, she was not only a woman of grace, but a pillar of compassion, wisdom, and devotion.

Omentha was a devoted mother, a faithful nurse, and a lifelong servant of God. She dedicated more than 60 years to the nursing profession, caring for countless patients with exceptional skill, patience, and heartfelt compassion. Even after retiring, her servant’s heart would not allow her to stop — she continued working as a nurse’s aide until the remarkable age of 90. She truly believed that caring for people was one of the greatest ways to serve God, and she lived that belief every single day.

Her journey in healthcare began through the apprenticeship program at Flanner House Community Center while attending Indiana University School of Nursing, where she graduated at the top of her class. During her long and respected career, she served at Riley Hospital, Wishard Hospital, and later made a profound impact at the Midtown Mental Health Methadone Clinic. There, she became widely known as the “no-nonsense senior nurse” who could correct you when you needed it — but would also stand up, advocate, and fight for you just as fiercely. Through her work, she helped hundreds of clients confront addiction, rebuild their lives, and many even find their way to faith.

Faith was the foundation of Omentha’s life. She served the Lord faithfully for more than 80 years, first at Christ Temple Apostolic Church and later at Grace Apostolic Church. When asked where her church home was, she would often respond with conviction and a smile, “I pay my tithes wherever I’m getting fed. You don’t eat at McDonald’s and pay at Wendy’s. Wherever the true Word of God is preached, that’s where I’ll go.” Her unwavering commitment to truth and her deep relationship with God left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Beyond her strength and service, Omentha was a woman of style, confidence, and grace. She was more than fashionable — she was a model well into her 70s, carrying herself with elegance and dignity wherever she went.

Her greatest pride and deepest love was her family. She was the heart that held generations together. Her home was a place of warmth, guidance, laughter, and unconditional love. She gave wisdom freely, encouraged constantly, and remained a source of strength for everyone blessed to call her mother, grandmother, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Wix Smith and Camilla Hayes-Smith, sisters; Velader Ranelin (Kenneth), and Grace Glover (Jack), brothers; Wix Smith, Jr (Alma), Riley Smith (Mary Frances), and David Smith, niece; Sylvia Quarles (Gary), Valerie Graffenread, nephews; Eric Smith, Terrance Smith and Rudolph Smith, her first husband, Russell Smith; her second husband, Wesley D. Crowe; her sons, Albert Smith and Kevin Smith; her stepsons, Wesley D. Crowe, Jr. and Jarvis Crowe; and her daughter-in-law, Diane Wood-Smith,

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Kent B. Smith; stepdaughters, Daphne Risher and Tracy Camp; stepsons, Curtis Crowe and Terry Crowe; grandchildren, Briana Smith, Christopher Smith, Demetrius Smith, Korrie Smith, LaSheita Gray (Johnny), and Lynn Gray; five great-grandchildren; a beloved sister in law Mary Smith, nephews; Walter Smith (Darlene), Cortez Smith and David Smith, niece; Toni Nelson (Sherman), Stephanie Baxter, Toni Tate-Anderson, and Valerie Johnson and a host of extended family members, friends, and all whose lives were touched by her strength, wisdom, and faith.

Omentha’s life of service and dedication was recognized through numerous honors, including Congressional Recognition from 2009–2012 for her outstanding participation in the Foster Parent Program; a Certificate of Appreciation from the Community Action of Greater Indianapolis Foster Grandparent Program; recognition from the Veterans of Foreign Wars for her faithful support of veterans and their families; an Outstanding Performance Award from the Community Addiction Service Agency; and several other community and service awards reflecting a lifetime of compassion and commitment.

Omentha Lorine Crowe’s life was a powerful testament to faith in action, love without limits, and service without end. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and joyfully celebrated by all who were blessed to know her.