Crystal Terrell O’Brien 96, of Kirksville, Mo. passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2020 in Kirksville MO.
The daughter of Roy and Leila Montgomery Terrell, she was born November 2,1924 on a farm near Worthington, Missouri. Crystal was united in marriage to Leland James O’Brien on December 14, 1941 in Kirksville, Missouri. Leland and Crystal were the parents of four children, Larry, Michael, Steven and Teresa.
Crystal is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Eva Jean O’Brien, Michael and Donna O’Brien and one son-in-law, Daniel Pagliai all of Kirksville. Six grandchildren, Curtis O’Brien of Kansas City, Keenan O’Brien of Columbia, Kelli Baker of Kirksville, Lee O’Brien of Savannah, Brian Pagliai of Washington DC and Kristen Pagliai of Princeton, NJ, one sister Kathleen Zornes, Raymore, MO and nine great- grandchildren and fourteen nieces and nephews also survive Crystal.
Crystal was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years on November 23, 2007 Also preceding her in death was her son Steven Patrick O’Brien in January of 2002, her daughter Teresa O’Brien Pagliai in February of 2016, brother and sister-in-law Howard and Inez O’Brien Terrell, sister and brother-in-law Lola and Bill Mulford, brother and sister-in-law Edgar and Phyllis Terrell and brother-in-law Dale Zornes.
Crystal was raised in the Green Castle community. She started farming with her husband as a young married couple and continued farming with her sons in later years. Crystal was a dedicated farm wife for over 65 years. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, church activities and entertaining friends and family. Crystal was a lifelong caregiver to many and a loving daughter, wife, mother and sister.
She was an active member of the First United Methodist in Kirksville, Missouri where she faithfully worshipped with her family until her failing health no longer permitted. Crystal was also a member of Chapter IG PEO, Sojourners Club and the Sperry OAO Club.
A private family graveside service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Highland Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Curtis O’Brien, Keenan O’Brien, Lee O’Brien, Brian Pagliai, Brett Baker, Will Baker and Tyler O’Brien. Honorary pallbearers will be Kelli Baker, Kristen Pagliai and Kim LeBaron.
An expression of sympathy in memory of Crystal may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the NEMO Senior Citizens.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.