Sally Elizabeth Crockett

Sally Elizabeth Crockett Obituary Sally Elizabeth Crockett. Wife, mother and public school music educator. Sally passed away on March 2, 2025, at The Pinnacle of Greenville, MS. She was active in churches where she lived throughout her life. Spirituality was very important to Sally, principally through music. She shared her love of music with her children, church family and community at large. Sally encouraged her children and many others to always do their best in all that they did. Her passion for music touched all that knew her. Born in Louisville, Ky in 1940 Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Granville and Elizabeth Crockett and husbands Oscar Caradine, Jr. and James Duke. She is survived by daughters Stephanie (John) Caradine-Ruchel of Niverville, NY and Janeece (Jay) Font-Clifton of Shaw, MS. Also, granddaughters Katherine (Dillon) Pinkowski of Valatie, NY and Elizabeth (Casey) Childers of Denham Springs, LA. Great Grandson Branch Pinkowski of Valatie, NY and Great Granddaughter Juliette Childers of Denham Springs, LA. Also, brother Steve (Dema) Crockett of Bayou La Batre, AL. Also, Nephews Doug (Pat) Crockett of Merriam, KS and Edward (Janice) Crockett of Mobile, AL. Also, Great-Nephews Eric Crockett of Lees Summit, MO, and children Cora, Mya and Eleanor, Joe (Kelsie) Crockett of Lenexa, KS and children Adeline and Cooper, and Tyler Crockett of Kansas City, MO. Also, Great-Nieces Jeni Ahring of Tucson, AZ and Jeri Randall (Nick) of Wellsville, KS and children Samantha and Landon (Hailey) and child Octavia. A native of Louisville, KY, Sally was educated in the public-school systems of Louisville, Mobile, AL and Greenville, MS. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees with majors in Piano and Vocal Ed from Delta State University. Sally was a public-school music teacher over a period of 38 years. Grades 1-12, Rosedale, MS, 1962-1964; Teacher and Choral Director, Bass Junior High School, Greenville, MS, 1964 -1966; Choral Director, Bayou Academy, Boyle, MS, 1970-1973; Voice Instructor, part- time, Delta State University, 1972; Teacher and Choral Director, Margaret Green Junior High and Cleveland High, Cleveland, MS, 1978-1984; Teacher and Choral Director, Solomon Junior High, Greenville, MS, 1984 - 1992; Music teacher and Choral Director, Vine Street Elementary Upper Elementary School, Pearl, MS, 1992-1999. According to Sally, Vine Street was absolutely the perfect place to have been teaching. With her love for musicals, every grade performed a spectacular presentation for the entire community each year! She said, "Vine Street's wonderful administration, its wonderful staff support, the delightful students and very helpful parents are really the best!" Many of Sally's students have been recognized with distinguished honors. Her involvement in music went beyond public-school education. Sally was: Organist, First Baptist Church, Cleveland, MS, 1960-1961; Private Instructor in Voice and Piano, 1966-1978; Director, Preschool Choir, First Baptist Church, Cleveland, MS, 1971 - 1973; 0rganist, Hebrew Union Temple, Greenville, MS, 1992; Private Instructor, Piano and Voice, 1992. Mississippi Governor Fordice appointed her to serve on the state music textbook committee in 1992. Sally was a member of Kappa Delta Pi and participated in the American Enterprise Center's Economic Education Institute three consecutive years. She was selected for Who's Who of American Women. She served as parliamentarian and board member at large of the Rankin County Teachers Association. Sally was a member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Music Educators National Conference, Mississippi Music Educators Association and the Delta Music Association. Along with being a music educator (grades 1-12), Sally also shared her love of music with her churches by playing, directing, and singing. Community organizations included Delta Center Stage, Rivertown Players, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, and American Red Cross. One of her greatest accomplishments was attending the Fred Waring Music Workshop in Pennsylvania in the summer of 1972. She then was instrumental in having the Pennsylvanians perform at Delta State University as part of their farewell tour. After that performance, she had Fred Waring and the whole group over to her home, The Big Old House, for a reception. Sally loved sharing her beautiful homes and enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens from The Big Old House in Cleveland, MS to Arcadia in Dixon Springs, TN. After retiring to Dixon Springs, she researched the history of the 18th century house as well as her family genealogy. Sally also enjoyed her membership in the Caney Fork Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution and in the Historical Society of Dixon Springs. She donated some of the items that were originally in the old family pharmacy building to the Society. Sally always looked forward to spending time in the summers with Stephanie and Katherine hearing beautiful music at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphany Orchestra. She loved seeing John Williams conduct. Her family has many cherished memories of family gatherings at "The Big Old House" and her beloved "Arcadia." A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Greenville, MS. Due to the season of Lent, flowers may be sent to the Book Inn Cafe, 825 S. Main St., Greenville, MS 38701 or a donation made to the charity of your choice in her name. Flower orders may be placed with Lake Village Flowers, lakevillageflowers.com, 1827 S. US-82, Lake Village, AR 71653, (870) 265-2628.
Mortimer Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sally, please visit our floral store.