Mary Frances Crocker passed peacefully at age 85 at Brandon Nursing & Rehab Brandon, MS. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday March 15,2022 at the chapel of Skelton Funeral Home in Reform, Alabama with Bro. Mark Hurst officiating. Burial will follow in the Gordo City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.                                                              She was born in Reform, Alabama on May 19, 1936 to Lucile Doughty Davis. She graduated from Pickens County High in 1954 as valedictorian. She was cheerleader captain, homecoming maid and officer of numerous clubs. She met the love of her life, Bobby Crocker who was football captain of rival Gordo High School. They were married for nearly 60 years prior to his passing. She loved her family, friends and her Jesus. Her legacy goes beyond her love for her family.
She also had a personal quest for knowledge. Mary Frances attended the University of Alabama on academic scholarship, Livingston University and received her B.S. degree with honors in Elementary Education and then a Masters in Counseling from Mississippi State University. She became an ambassador and advocate for Oktibbeha County, first working at the Welfare Department. Afterwards, she dedicated 30 plus years with the MS Department of Vocational Rehabilitation where she provided strength, hope and assurance to so many. She began as a vocational evaluator then counselor/director at Mississippi State University. She paved the way as the first female regional director, counselor and district manager of Oktibbeha County at Vocational Rehab. She loved her work and was truly dedicated to helping so many individuals significantly improve their quality of life. She also mentored and trained countless fellow associates to follow in her footsteps. She was instrumental in lobbying at the state and federal government for the Adult Disabilities Act. She was the first female elected as president for Rehabilitation Association of MS, where she was president for several terms. She received various awards including Case, Counselor and Manager of the Year. Her peers greatly respected and admired her expertise, knowledge, assertiveness and genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need. This was evidenced by one of her favorite verses of scripture, Matthew 25:31-40 "…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Mary Frances loved her family and was always there for them. She poured her life into being the matriarch of the family supporting and loving each member. As in her life growing up, she encouraged her family to keep pursing their dreams and never give up regardless of obstacles or hardships. Her strength and faith was in Jesus as she would refer to her favorite scripture John 3:16.
Many memories made on ski trips and beach vacations. Mary Frances loved the arts and made memories of ballets and theater with her family. Her home was a fun joyful place for all and a smile was always on her face watching the 11 great grandchildren playing in her home.
Mary Frances will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Starkville, MS. Thank you to all the sitters that loved on her. Current: Barbara Reese, Andrita Beckum, Dee Neal, Daisy Gandy, and also Lanedra Tate and Mary Banks.
Mary Frances was preceded in death by her husband John Robert (Bobby) Crocker, grandson Austin Miller, Mother Lucile Davis, and son-in-law H.E. Buddy Miller III. Survived by brother, Bobby Davis; daughters, Denise Tyler (Breck) and Deborah Crocker; grandchildren, Whitney Windham (Will), Perryn Edwards (Charlie), Reed Tyler (Anna Mills Avant), Braden Turner (Champ) and Jazzalyn Miller; great grandchildren, Tyler and Breckyn Windham, Lillian and Ozzie Edwards, Maverick, Miller, Magnolia, Rivers, and Stamps Turner, Adler and Evie Miller.
Pallbearers will be her grandson and grandsons-in-law.