Phyllis Jones Crockett
November 13, 1926 ~ December 26, 2015
Carmel Valley

Phyllis Jones Crockett was born in Sebastopol, CA, the daughter of Russell and Esther "Mullie" Jones. She is survived by her children Carey Crockett (Diana), Carole Crockett Colter, and Alan Crockett (Wendy), all of Carmel Valley, CA. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren: Bryan Colter, Brandon Jeschke, and Katy Crockett, all of Carmel Valley, and Andrew Crockett (Jane) of San Jose, 2 nieces and a nephew, as well as many extended family members and loved ones. Her brother, Arthur Jones, of Palmer, Alaska, passed away in December 2014.
Phyllis was a professional, a family person, an avid volunteer, and a lifetime swimmer. She learned to swim from her dad earlier than she could remember. She had a great deal of love and care for people, animals, and nature. And, as anyone who knows her, a particular fondness for Dolphins.
She graduated from Carmel High School at the age of 16 and received her BA from San Jose State College in 1947 with a degree in Elementary Schooling. She also graduated from Wellesley College in MA in 1949 with a M.S. in Hygiene and Physical Education. She retired after 33 years in education as a teacher, coach, and Senior's counselor from Carmel High School in Carmel, CA.
Phyllis was a leadership volunteer for the American Red Cross for 65 years. She was awarded the Clara Barton Award in 1989, the highest honor an ARC volunteer can receive, and in 1991 was awarded the prestigious Commodore Longfellow Award for the "International Order of the Golden Whale." She was instrumental in spearheading the efforts to build the Carmel Valley Community Pool and had the honor of having the first swim in 1964. Her passion for seeing children enjoying the water has been constant for over 60 years, and she remained active with the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center Board as its Advisor. In 1964, she was honored with the Carmel Valley Citizen of the Year Award, the "Good Egg," and further honored in 2009 with the "Double Yoker" award.
Since her retirement in 1986, Phyllis swam over 6,700 miles in the American Red Cross "Swim and Stay Fit" Program. In the early 1990's, she began taking writing courses, and in 2010 published her first book of poems, "Dolphin Sounds".
Most important to Phyllis was family and her friendships. A smile and a hug meant the world to her. We can rest assure that she is swimming off into the distance with her beloved dolphin escorts and will be missed.
A gathering of her "pod" for a "Podi" to celebrate her life will be announced in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center or the Monterey Chapter of the American Red Cross.

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Published by Monterey Herald Obits on Jan. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Crockett

Sponsored by Monterey Herald.

30 Entries

Linda Wopat

August 7, 2024

Mrs Crockett was my Carmel High School coach and PE assistant supervisor during my junior and senior years. She was a deep personal friend and mentor. She will always reside in my memory. Linda Seng, Class of 1963.

Sandy Thomason

February 12, 2016

Terry Matthews and Sandy Thomason of Pacific Grove send their sympathy to Allan and his family who were our neighbors in Pacific Grove.
Terry and I were Instructors and Instructor Trainers for the American Red Cross volunteering for over 30 years at Fort Ord, Monterey and Salinas.
Phyllis was "THE QUEEN" of volunteers on the west coast in AQUATICS. She will be greatly missed!

Marlie Avant

January 14, 2016

Dear Carey and family,
I send my heartfelt condolences. I hope you can feel the love and support of friends and loved ones. Words fail at times like these, I pray you find comfort in sweet memories stirring in your hearts where your wonderful mother lives on. Sending love,

Andrea Eisler

January 10, 2016

Dear Crockett Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was, and still is an inspiration. I had the honor and pleasure of working with her on the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center board and witnessed first hand her relentless energy and commitment to making a positive impact in her community - it was contagious! We have lost a beautiful soul on this earth but I know her spirit is swimming joyfully alongside her beloved dolphins. Sending love and prayers for peace to all her family and friends.

sheree fauske

January 9, 2016

Thank you for the candle you lit in my heart. Here's one for you and your family.

summer fun!

sheree fauske

January 9, 2016

Beloved Phyllis,
Thank you is not enough to express my gratitude for your mentoring/life-coaching me through the years 2000 to the present. It started at Monterey Community College where we shared classes in Women's Studies with all the wonderful teachers and classmates. But it never stopped! You couldn't imagine ending our relationship, and neither could I. Our relationship will continue throughout time... your presence is always with me.
Blessed Be!

Tana Yokomizo Davidson

January 8, 2016

Dear Crockett Family,

Phyllis was my PE teacher at Carmel High. I was fortunate enough to run in to her a few years back and a Carmel High All School Reunion. She was a wonderful and caring woman. One of my favorite teachers growing up. I am so sorry for your loss. She was one amazing Lady!

Dr. Gretchen Rous Besser

January 7, 2016

On behalf of Phyllis's 1949 Wellesley classmates, we remember her with affection and send our sincere condolences to Cary, Carole, and Alan, together with her grand-children and great-grandchildren. She was a paragon of accomplishments. May her memory bring you lasting joy.

Cindy Fischer

January 7, 2016

Thoughts and prayers are with the Crockett family during this time of great loss.

Mary Wilson

January 6, 2016

Dear Carey (and family), I am very sorry for your loss. May your many happy memories of your mom bring you comfort. With love,

Nancy H. Dean

January 5, 2016

We are saddened by the loss of another great Wellesley classmate.

Nancy "Scottie" Hayes Dean '49

Kim Fries Newman

January 5, 2016

Dear family of Phillis,
There are so many years and memories that I have to share but there is not room for them all. It all started with Carole and I back in the days of horse shows and riding. You were my P.E. teacher in Carmel Middle School and Carmel High School. You were a friend of mine and we talked throughout the years. You were always interested in what I had to say. You stayed active and informed of so many issues. I share your love of dolphins and have the same love of the water. I grew up with your children. I remember Carrie's set designs and art work. I love you and your family and in Carole I will always have a best friend!
Love to you,
Kim Fries

Lois Watson Gilder

January 5, 2016

Phyllis was a fabulous teacher and an early feminist, I think. She was so energetic and positive and encouraging. Our many many intramural and interschool teams were all because of her. I played field hockey in college thanks to her enthusiasm for the sport. And every time I swim (which isn't often these days) I remember all the strokes she taught us - in those truly awful red suits! A really wonderful person - I'm sure her family misses her terribly. CHS class of '65

January 5, 2016

She was the most memorable teacher I had. I think of her with fondness quite often and am very fortunate to have had her in my life. She made P.E.so much fun!

susa Eberly

January 4, 2016

Phyllis was a wonderful part of my experience at Carmel High. She taught me how to play field hockey, trampoline, and to swim and dive. What a wonderful lady, with a wonderful family. How nice to read her obit and remember all the fabulous aspects of life that she was a part of.

Cathy Burk

January 4, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the family in her passing. If it wasn't for her, I would never have loved field hockey and being on the team in high school. She was a great coach.

Stacie Stainbrook Tarsitano

January 4, 2016

As a person who spent her entire life in the water, most often at the CV pool, Phyllis shaped much of my life. She taught me swim lessons, CPR certified me, trained me to be a lifeguard and swim instructor, but mostly she instilled a love for the water and teaching others how to love it too. She will be sorely missed.

Frances Garneau

January 4, 2016

RIP, Phyllis. You will be missed by many, now that you're with your dolphins! To the family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Joan Smith McManus

January 4, 2016

Wow, she was my phys Ed teacher and didn't realize she and I shared the same birthday. Rip with your Dolphins. Joan smith McManus

Preston & Janet Cole

January 4, 2016

Our prayers and thoughts to the family of such a beautiful lady. We enjoy her coming in the store and sharing stories with us. I was proud when she wanted to put her book in our store for the public to see and buy. The valley will miss you Phyllis

January 4, 2016

Mrs. Crocket was my Physical Ed coach, Red Cross Coach and all around life coach. She never let me say I can't. Words to live by. We lost a great soul of our community. My sympathy goes out to her family and friends at your loss. Barbara Moon Batista

Leslee Field

January 4, 2016

Love to your family.

The Parker Family

January 4, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marian Plastini

January 4, 2016

My deepest sympathy to Alan, Carole and Carey~ your mom was one of a kind and shall be missed by so many. Had it not been for her, I might not be the swimmer that I am today! She touched our lives with her boundless energy and enthusiasm and my heart goes out to all of you and your children. Love, Marian (Doud) Plastini

Denise M. McFaddan-Rojas

January 4, 2016

I have known Phyllis Crockett since my years at Carmel High School and enjoyed playing after school sports ...such as Field Hockey ,Volleyball , Basket ball,
and so many other sports .. It was a joy
to get rides home from such a sweet lady ,Coach and special friend.

Will miss you so much and you lived a long life ... May God Bless you ...RIP ...

God will be watching you very close and walking with you ...I can hear the laughter as you walk with God.

Graduation Date was 1976 and 1977

You will be missed by all that had a chance to be around you as coach and teacher.

Barbara Carter

January 3, 2016

Mrs Crockett saved my pre-teenaged self in Middle School❤ I don't think I would have made it through without her kindness and encouragement ❤

Mary Ann Johnson

January 3, 2016

Carole,
My love, hugs, and prayers, go out to you and your son at this difficult time. I met your mother many years ago when she had a very special celebration for you at her home. One day at a time, you will walk through this.
Mary Ann

RL Smith

December 31, 2015

For those of us who had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Crockett, she will be greatly missed for her keen sense discipline and integrity, unwavering commitment to her students and friends, and her all-around good heart and sincerity. Her willingness to assist whenever and wherever appropriate gave solace to many of us in the stormy waters of our youth. May she delight in swimming with the dolphins, and welcome us all when we join her. She was a rare and genuine human being and an example of what many of us aspire to be. Our heartfelt condolences to all who were fortunate enough to share her presence throughout the years.

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