Bessie Ida Cronshaw

Bessie Ida Cronshaw, 94 years, of Perryville, MD, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026 in the Lynchburg General Hospital of Lynchburg, VA. Born March 21, 1932 in Golts, MD, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Reba Alexander Reed.

Mrs. Cronshaw was known for her hospitality, cooking ability, and her extraordinary love for everyone she met. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Perryville, MD, where everyone loving called her, “Nan”. There she helped pioneer the Children’s Church Ministry and the Senior Ministry. As a widow Nan continued the greeting ministry that she and her late husband started. For decades she sent personal, handwritten cards for birthdays, get-well, encouragement, etc., to everyone in the church and her friends and family. Throughout her life she found strength in her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reading Scripture and praying each day.

Mrs. Cronshaw is survived by her sons, Paul F. Cronshaw and Mark J. Cronshaw; daughter, Linda L. Gauger; seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and sister, Gladys “Betty” Taylor.

Mrs. Cronshaw was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Marvin Cronshaw; daughter, Diane E. Cronshaw; and sister, Catherine Solloway.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Perryville in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, 10 AM, at the First Baptist Church of Perryville, Perryville, MD. Pastor Dr. John M.R. Gauger of the First Baptist Church of Perryville will officiate. A meal will immediately follow the funeral service in the fellowship hall. Following the fellowship meal, a graveside service will take place at 2 PM in the Sudlersville Cemetery, Main Street/Route 300, Sudlersville, MD.