Dorothy Lynn Crosby Gammill

When I think of my grandmother, I think of ordering Vanilla with Hot Fudge from Bop's. I think of a house filled with sweets and chocolates for her beloved grandchildren to stuff themselves full of. I think of photography and her notorious lecture on the "Rule of Thirds." I think of walleye fishing in the boundary waters. I think of George Washington, of Mount Vernon. I think of tennis, both playing and watching. I think of France-oh, how she loved her France. All of these quick images that come to a granddaughter's mind-they scratch only the surface of a truly remarkable life.

- Sarah Crosby McKay

Born to Mr. & Mrs. L. O. Crosby, Jr. on September 13, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lynn Crosby Gammill lived her first years in Crosby, MS, before her family settled in Picayune. Lynn held her heritage near and dear to her heart for the entirety of her life. Her sense of home and identity was undoubtedly one of her proudest declarations.

While Mississippi was always home, her love of travel and education led her to Virginia to obtain an undergraduate degree at Sweet Briar College, where she was honored with a junior year abroad in France, attending the University of Paris. Lynn's experience in France proved to be pivotal. The relationships she developed in her time abroad stretch far beyond the confines of her living years and into the lives of her children and grandchildren. Lynn's time in France also led to a profound love of French culture, language, food, wine, and history-really, a love of all things French.

Lynn would instill this affection in those around her, even teaching her grandchildren French children's songs, the proper way to pronounce "Rs" in French, and signing most of her letters and emails with "Merci, GM."

After completing her undergraduate degree in European History, Lynn returned to Mississippi to pursue a teacher's certificate at the University of Mississippi, where she was the first and last graduate student to pledge Tri Delta (as family lore dictates). While there, she met her soon-to-be husband Stewart. The two were married in 1960, and as their family grew, they settled in Hattiesburg in 1970, quickly establishing their home and community in this 'hub' between family in Jackson and New Orleans.

After her father's passing in 1977, Lynn and her family set out on a project to memorialize L.O. Crosby's legacy and provide an educational horticultural experience for individuals. What once was a strawberry farm on Ridge Road in Picayune became an interpretive center for native plants in 1986: The Crosby Arboretum. Lynn remained on The Crosby Arboretum Foundation board for the remainder of her life. Her love of nature and beautiful things flourished elsewhere, including but not limited to her being a Member at Large of the Garden Club of America.

Lynn's hobbies included many activities, including reading, traveling, playing tennis, and watching Jeopardy or Turner Classic Movies (if there weren't any good football games or tennis matches). Lynn's passion for fishing and the outdoors was nurtured through her cherished time at Camp Nagawicka in Wisconsin and endless trips to northern Minnesota and into Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. She was a fearless angler from spin cast to fly rod, even landing a Marlin (with a little help) on one of her many worldwide adventures. Even on her last trip to northern Minnesota at age 81, Lynn was outfishing anyone who dared compete.

There's simply no way to acknowledge all Lynn gave throughout her life. A dedicated Episcopalian and member of Trinity Episcopal Church, she served as President of ECW of Mississippi. Her passion for the arts was evident as a founding member of The Hattiesburg Arts Council and through her involvement with the boards of Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi Museum of Art, Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters, and Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Lynn further demonstrated her commitment to education, history, and Mississippi by helping organize Friends of the Library in Picayune and serving on the boards of Mississippians for Educational Television, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Foundation for Mississippi History, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at Ole Miss, and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Her love of history further guided her extensive volunteer and philanthropic path beyond Mississippi to what she loved perhaps most of all: serving as the 11th Vice Regent of Mississippi to The Mount Vernon Ladies Association for two decades. To summarize her charitable spirit: as a dear family friend said, "She gave, gave, and gave."

A woman of hilarious wit, sharp intellect, and profound kindness, Lynn Crosby Gammill will be deeply missed, and forever cherished. We are truly blessed to have shared so many loving years with her. Her love is unmatched by most. She once said, "Never have I ever felt this much love. It's the kinda love that puts up with your faults." May we all find and share that 'kinda love' more; Lord knows this world can always use more of that.

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, L.O. Crosby Jr. and Dorothy Hagert Crosby; her husband, Stewart Gammill III; and her son, Stewart Gammill IV. She is survived by her brother, L.O. Crosby III "Oz" (Debbie) of Park City, UT; her son, L.O. Crosby Gammill; her daughter, Jennifer Gammill McKay (Kennard); her daughter-in-law Tish Jetton Gammill; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a gift to one of the many charitable and philanthropic organizations that connected you with Lynn.