Alice Jane and William P. "Bill" Crockford

Alice Jane Crockford & William P. "Bill" Crockford

Alice Jane Crockford (nee MacPherson), age 96, of Ocean City, N.J., passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2025 in the arms of her beloved husband of 75 years, William P. "Bill" Crockford. Eight days later, on October 13, Bill, age 99, passed away to join Alice and be together again in their eternal home.

Throughout their lives, Alice and Bill were known for their warmth, curiosity, resilience, and a deep devotion to family, faith, and education. Together, they forged a life filled with love, laughter, and the spirit of adventure, inspiring all who knew them. They grew up in the Pennsauken area and after marriage in 1950 made Ocean City their home. Throughout these years they made lasting friendships, riding their bikes on the boardwalk, harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden next to their house (aka "the corn house"), sharing the bounty with others, and volunteering for many civic organizations. In 1994, they received the "Golden Deeds Award" from the Exchange Club of Ocean City.

Alice attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) earning bachelor's and master's degrees in education. She was a beloved educator in the Ocean City School District for over thirty years, remembered by generations of students for her caring, creative, and fair approach to teaching. She saw each child as unique and gifted, striving to bring out the best in everyone she taught.

Bill, a WWII Navy veteran, contracted polio while serving and spent time recuperating at Warm Springs, Ga. Through determination and optimism, Bill overcame this challenge and went on to earn his business degree from Rider College. He worked in real estate in Ocean City for the first half of his career. At mid-life, he returned to school and found his calling as an Industrial Arts teacher, sharing his passion for craftsmanship in Woodbine and Sea Isle City Public Schools.

In retirement, Alice and Bill embraced travel and adventure, riding their bikes in scenic places in United States and Europe. Bill, at age 62, even conquered RAGBRAI, the week-long bike ride across Iowa with his biking buddies. Both were active members of St. Peter's United Methodist Church, generously giving their time to teaching Sunday School, serving on boards, and participating in fellowship and mission work.

Alice and Bill are survived by daughters Kathleen and Karen; sisters, Margaret "Peg" Lippincott and Mary "Jean" MacPherson; grandchildren, Christy Zuzelo (Momar Fall), Brian Ackley (Lisa Farjam), Maylee Crockford, William D. Crockford; dear family friend, Winston Roberts, and great-grandchildren, Simon, Isabella, Idy, Alice Rose, Dune, and Beau. Extended family includes treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws around the globe.

They were preceded in death by Alice's parents, Allison and Frances (Kercher) MacPherson; Bill's parents, William P. Sr. and Evelyn Crockford; brother and sister-in-law, Robert A. and Lucia "Lucy" MacPherson; brother-in-law, Jacob C. "Pete" Lippincott, MD; son-in-law, James H. Patterson, and daughter-in-law, Therese A. "Terry" McIntyre. Also predeceasing them were many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins who shaped their lives and instilled in them the values of generosity and perseverance.

Their legacy lives on in the hearts of family, friends, and countless students whose lives were touched by their kindness, wisdom, and enthusiasm. Their love story for the ages reminds us to embrace each day with courage, compassion, and a zest for lifelong learning and service.

A Service of Memory and Love is planned for Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Ocean City, N.J. Visitation will be at 12 noon with the service following at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions in their honor may be made to the Asbury Endowment Fund c/o St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 501 East 8th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226, or the United Methodist Communities Foundation (note The Shores), 2201 Bay Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226.

For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.

The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City

809 Central Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226