Jayne Cathcart Crisp, 81, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at 10:47 a.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025, at her residence. She was born on August 30, 1944, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to the late Cecil Paul Cathcart and Rebecca Ruth Farmer Cathcart. Jayne graduated from Hopkinsville High School and earned her Associate's Degree from Bethel Junior College and attended Austin Peay State University. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as well as her Rank 1 from Murray State University. She was a retired educator who taught at Reidland Middle School and Paducah Tilghman High School. She was also a professor at Paducah Community College where she taught accounting and business classes. Jayne then served as the Executive Director for West Kentucky Educational Co-op.
She was a dedicated member of Reidland Baptist Church, where she served as pianist and organist. Jayne began playing piano for church services at the age of 13, and music was a gift she truly enjoyed sharing all of her life. She devoted many hours serving God at her church as a long-term Sunday School teacher, committee member, life group leader, Vacation Bible School leader and in any other capacity where she saw a need.
In addition, Jayne was a member of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, the Association of Education Service Agencies, and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association. She was a former member of the Heartland Cares Board, Advisory Board for “His Kids Too”, and the McCracken County School Board, where she served as Chairperson.
She was also a very active member of the Murray Rotary Club. She was a Paul Harris Fellow and was honored to bestow this designation upon her daughters, grandson and son-in-law, Michael. She was appointed Rotary District Governor of District 6710 for years 2014-2015.
Although Jayne accomplished much professionally in her life, her greatest joy was being a mother and ultimately a GiGi to her grandson. She devoted her life to her daughters, grandson, and family. She will always be remembered for encouraging words, grace, tenacity and infectious spirit. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched with her compassion.
Jayne is survived by her daughters, Shannon Crisp Darnell and husband, Greg Darnell of Benton, Kentucky, and Dr. Meredith Crisp Duffy and husband, Michael Duffy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sisters, Ruth Ann Scruggs of Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Rachel Pauline Yahnig and husband Carl of Christian County, Kentucky; grandson, Landon Thomas; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Larry Lewis officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Greenhill Memorial Gardens in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Pallbearers will be Landon Thomas, Greg Darnell, Michael Duffy, Chris Westerfield, John Yahnig, and Bill Coleman. Honorary pallbearers are Ronald Crisp and Judy Bradley.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Sunrise Children’s Services, P.O. Box 1429, Mt. Washington, KY 40047, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
