Lou' Crockett

Webster's dictionary defines a lighthouse as a structure with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators. For decades, Lou' Crockett was the lighthouse in our family, as well as one for the community. She was a role model and hero to countless others she tutored, counseled, entertained and inspired over 60 years of activism and volunteerism in Danville.
Affectionately called Miss Lou', the Story Lady from Danville Public Library and Cool Lou' for how she masterfully played a bridge hand, Lou' Crockett earned her angel wings March 22, 2025 in Tempe, Arizona. She was 97.
Louistine Elizabeth Ford was born August 27, 1927 in the Bronx, New York to Albert Henry Ford Sr. and Helen Louisa Edwards Ford. The family moved to Chicago in the 1930s and Lou graduated salutatorian from Wendell Phillips High School in 1944.
"I was privileged to attend a Black high school during the World War II years," she said. "Besides being taught a love for country, we were taught an appreciation for Black history. We were made aware of the accomplishments and contributions of Black people to America."
She received a General Assembly Scholarship to attend the University of Illinois. At the U of I, she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and along with her studies was involved with theatrical, dance and synchronized swimming productions. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, with a minor in physical education, in 1949.
While at the university, she was smitten with a young man. On their first date, Fred Crockett Jr., announced he was going to marry her. Twenty-three days later they were officially engaged and six months after that they were married on September 9, 1951. While he attended medical school at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, Lou' was the breadwinner teaching physical education at Tennessee State University. They were married nearly 60 years until his death in February 2011.
Coming to Danville in 1956, she shared her passion for African American art, history and literature giving live performances years before it was fashionable. In particular, she had a great affinity for the "poetry of my people" giving dramatic oral interpretations of works by Black poets in standard English and Black dialect.
As a community activist, she understood the importance of forcing change in a system and society that denied opportunities for her own and others.
"Volunteerism is a must," she said. "I feel very strongly that we all have a responsibility to give our best to the community in which we live. Since every life we touch is affected by what we bring to it, we have to at least try to be the best person we can possibly be."
In service to the community, Lou' was a member of the Danville Human Relations Board, School District 118's Responsibility and Rules Committee, the Mental Health Board of Vermilion County, the YMCA Board of Directors, the PTA and the United Fund drive.
As a volunteer she trained swimmers for the First Special Olympics that were held in Chicago; taught Sunday School and directed summer camps at Second Baptist Church; delivered reading materials to senior citizens; tutored students at Laura Lee Fellowship House and was a substitute teacher for students who were homebound.
In 1969, breaking the housing racial barrier laws, the family integrated an all white neighborhood with less than a hospitable reception. As Lou' did her entire life, she led by example and guided the family and the community through a rather uncomfortable period. And she did it with grace and dignity. The lesson she shared was never allow anyone to dictate what you can and cannot do.
For over 60 years, she was a member of her beloved Second Baptist Church serving in a variety of roles. An avid bridge player, she earned Sectional Master status with the American Contract Bridge League. Her love of words carried over to ferocious Scrabble games. Anything athletic she was up for the challenge and joined her children in swimming, bowling, tennis, and other recreational activities. She continued her daily, three mile walks into her 80s.
Despite any trials and tribulations she experienced, her faith sustained her. First thing in the morning and the last thing before retiring she read from a stack of spiritual and Biblical literature kept on her night stand. She was always prepared to share a message about God's goodness and blessings. She just didn't teach family and Christian values, she lived them. One of her favorite Lou-isms was "be kind to one another".
On longevity, she said, "I never thought this scrawny kid who weighed 57 pounds in eighth grade would live this long. I watched my diet, I had an exercise regime and I kept my hand in the hand of the good Lord." Two Coors Light beers a day didn't hurt either, she often joked.
She is survived by her children, David Crockett (fiancee Allyson) of Houston, TX; LuJuane Elleby (Leroy) of Fairview Heights, IL; Kimberly Crockett of Tempe, AZ; Lori Crockett Harris (Wilson) of South Holland, IL; and Bobra Crockett of Chandler, AZ.
Her grandchildren are: Charles, Christopher, and Timothy (Yovana) Crockett of Arizona; Erynn, Ashley, Erica and Auhston Elleby of Illinois; Donnell and Jasmine Travis of Illinois; and Jacob and Joia Doiron of Arizona. Her great-grandchildren are: Charles Jr, Alisha, Naomi, Nyla, Elena, Moses, Ruth and Isabella, all Crocketts of Arizona.
Other survivors include her sister Beverly Rowls, of Chicago; cousin Eugene Ford, of Chicago; and sisters-in-law, DeLois Scott of Buffalo Grove, IL and Mary Alice Jackson of Ossining, NY.
A host of nieces and nephews survive her, and Lou' had a special relationship with niece Helen McGee of South Holland, IL. Also mourning her passing are special Prayer Warriors: Linda Ball Williams of Danville, IL; Susan Brown of Danville, IL, and Wyona Smith of Zionsville, IN.
In addition to her husband, Lou' was preceded in death by her parents Helen Louisa Edwards Ford and Albert Henry Ford Sr.; sister Thelma Chan; brothers Albert Jr., Thomas, Edwin, Robert and Garrett Ford; daughter-in-law Nyla Crockett and granddaughter Kelsey Crockett.
Services will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 at Second Baptist Church, 940 N Franklin St. Visitation is from 9 am to 11:30 am, followed by the funeral from noon to 1:30 p.m. Burial immediately following at the Danville National Cemetery. Services will be live streamed via the Second Baptist Church website. Links can be found on FaceBook and YouTube.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Second Baptist Church Building Fund.
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