Jacquelyn Ann McCreary Cromett

Jacquelyn Ann McCreary Cromett, lovingly known as “Jackie,” was born on February 25, 1946, in Lenoir, North Carolina, to Jack and Jewell Davis McCreary. Five years later she joyfully welcomed twin sisters, Susan and Phyllis, embracing her role as big sister. The three girls grew up together and attended Lenoir public schools, then later after high school, Jackie moved to Raleigh, NC where she worked for the State’s Department of Transportation.

Two years later she married and relocated to Minnesota. There she discovered her greatest calling—raising her two children, Melanie and Jack. Jackie was a devoted stay at home mother, homemaker, seamstress and artist. She poured love and creativity into every role, from making clothes for her children to creating gifts, home decor, and later, original beautiful works of art. Friends and family often turned to her for sewing talents, and her artistic spirit only grew stronger over the years. Her creativity was always an act of love.

Tired of Minnesota winters, Jackie sought out warmer weather. With Melanie attending Arizona State University, a move to Phoenix felt like the perfect fit. She married Bill Cromett in 2002, and together they built a home in North Scottsdale’s Legend Trail community. Jackie delighted in describing her shopping trips into the city as “day trips.”

While living in Arizona Jackie’s artistic gifts blossomed. She began with watercolor painting classes and soon fell in love with acrylics, studying for over twenty years at the Beth Zink Studio and producing dozens of vibrant, beautiful paintings. Jackie also joined the Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak, where she served on the board and as President for two years.

Another of Jackie’s talents was crocheting. With a tender heart for babies, she lovingly made and donated tiny burial cloaks for infants lost at birth, providing comfort through Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. Her artistry and leadership left a legacy of color, creativity, and community.

Jackie is survived by her husband Bill; her sister Susan McCreary; her children Melanie Murphy and Jack Henningsgaard (Layne); grandchildren Amanda Murphy Rich (Joe), Allison Murphy, Olivia, Jackson and Dylan Henningsgaard; stepsons John Cromett (Cathy) and Mark Cromett (Sherry); and step-grandchildren Henry, Maxwell, Leah, Audrey, and Eleanor Cromett. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Jewell McCreary, and her sister, Phyllis McCreary Harvey.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix. A luncheon will follow the service at the same location.

Donations may be made in Jacquelyn’s memory to Hospice of the Valley https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/, Honor Health Pancreatic Research Center https://honorhealthfoundation.org/JacquelynCromett, or Woofs Wiggles and Wags Animal Rescue - 501(c)3 nonprofit https://www.woofswigglesnwags.com/page.asp?pid=8

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.