Anne Crockett McWilliams

1941 - 2026

Anne Crockett McWilliams

August 14, 1941 - January 1, 2026

Anne Crockett McWilliams died peacefully in the early hours of the first day of this year. A woman of strong Christian faith, she lived a life devoted to service to others, especially children, and to love for her family.

The daughter of Joe and Jane Crockett, Anne grew up in Vicksburg, Miss., and attended the Mississippi State College for Women, where she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Pi Tau Chi national honor societies. Active in the Wesley Foundation, she fell in love with Jody McWilliams. She graduated, cum laude in education, a year early so they could wed in 1962.

After her marriage, Anne worked as a librarian, first at Boston University Divinity School – her fierce enforcement of lending limits is still discussed – and later at Medford (Massachusetts) High School, starting a commitment to public education. In Virginia, she continued as a librarian with the Richmond Public Schools. Then, marking a lasting shift to classroom education, she taught English at Caroline County's Ladysmith High School.

In 1980, Anne joined the English as a Second Language program in Henrico County. The program was so new that no specialized certification was required, and so erroneously considered short-term that its teachers long remained part-time employees. Anne found her true calling in working with this astonishingly diverse group of children.

Her involvement traces the early history of ESL education in Henrico. She taught at schools including Crestview Elementary, Moody Middle, and Henrico, Tucker, and Freeman High Schools and eventually ran the county resource center. She became a dogged advocate of her students, accompanying them to court hearings and drivers license appointments. She was never alone: crowds of kids followed her through the halls. Establishing International Students Clubs, she worked to provide a sense of community for her students.

Throughout her career, Anne remained active in her community. For over five decades, she was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she became involved in every aspect of the institution. She contributed to services as a member of an interpretative dance group and a handbell choir. She served as Coordinator of Children's Ministries and member of the Commission on Education, and she also taught preschool and Sunday school at many levels, led confirmation classes, and counseled youth groups. In addition, she actively supported Jody's work at the William Byrd Community House in Richmond's Oregon Hill neighborhood.

To the rewards of such efforts, Anne added those of spending time with family and friends. Her women's and couples' bridge clubs became legendary, and she loved traveling with Jody – together they visited twenty-two countries on six continents – and family trips to Emerald Isle.

Anne was predeceased by her sister, Kittye Jo Crockett, and her husband, Jody. She is survived by her son, Mark McWilliams (Rachel), and their children, Jack (Murphy) and Annie; and her daughter, Heather Brand (Abel), and their children, Emily, Madison, Colton, Rynn, and William. The family would like to thank the staff at Cedarfield for their kindness and care.

There will be a visitation from 1 to 3 p.m., on Sunday, January 11th, at Bliley's-Central. Anne's funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 12th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, followed by a reception. Interment at Westhampton Memorial Park will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Trinity Foundation, 903 Forest Avenue, Henrico, VA 23229.