Herbert Leroy Crockett

Reflection of Life Herbert LeRoy Crockett ente:·ed into external rest on Saturday, Januaiy 21", 2017 at Heritage Green Assisted Living facility, where he was surrounded by his loving family. Born January 5, 1935 in Ellerson, Va., now known as Mechanicsville, he was preceded in death by his parents, James Hudson and Sallie Robinson Crockett. "Herb" as he was affectionately called by family and many friends was reared in Hanover. As a young boy, he at tended Pole Green Elem. School and graduated from John M. Gandy H. S. in Ashland, confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Old Mill Pond, becoming a member at First Union Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, Va. He later joined Cedar Street Baptist Church in Richmond. His parents were very diligent and steadfast in encouraging their children to reach for higher educational goals to pursue their dreams. Mrs. Estelle Howard, his elementaiy grade teacher was also instrumental in helping to shape his future. She insisted that he complete his school work in atimely manner, and was often mown to offer him a little persuasion. This encouraged him to pursue a career in education. Most people take on a motto or slogan to live by as they pursue their dreams and Herb was no exception. Before he decided to attend college, he worked long and tedious hours on his fainily's farm. His "self-proclaimed" motto becaine "I do not plan to live all my life looking at the south end of a north bound mule, smelling the aroma of the day", and off to school he went. He enrolled at St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Va., and received his B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. He furthered his schooling at Indiana University, receiving his Master's Degree in Education. These accomplishments helped launch his career in Supervision and Administration. He was the first in his family to attend college and graduate. He began his teaching career at the Greenville County Training School. After working there several years he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in artillery at Fort Sill, Okla. Upon discharge, he returned to Hanover Co. where he taught at John M. Gandy Elem. In a most unusual way, he received his initial foothold into Richmond Public Schools as a result of being hired as a substitute teacher when his wife was going on maternity leave, pending Theresa's birth. Herb began his administrative career at Ginter Park Elementary as Assistant Principal. Thereafter, he was named Principal of Highland Park Elementary School. He later became Principal of Overby-Sheppard Elementaiy where he oversaw the construction of that brand new facility and where he spent the remainder of his career. His greatest accomplishments came from the fact that he was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. His pride and joy caine from his commitment and unfaltering support that he provided to his fainily and his desire to see his daughter, Theresa, succeed. He constantly reminded her that everything he did, he did for her. He created a foundation and set a standard that compelled all those around him, including especially the children in his schools, to pursue greatness, just like his mother and father did him. Whether it was his custom suits, his dapper ways or witty sayings, he managed to leave everyone around him just a bit happier when they left. His pride in appearance, self, family and others left him unparalleled. Although preceded in death by his brothers Sonny, Bill and Irving and their younger sister, Pearl, Herb and his brothers loved the outdoors and was often seen hunting and fishing. You could count on finding them on a clear day either on the water or in the woods, thereafter telling the biggest fish tale or bragging about the largest deer caught that day. Just as they were close in brotherly love, they always looked out for each other in every way. They were a close-knit brotherhood and that special bond will always be cherished. Herb's oldest brother, Sonny was the first Crockett male ever to be blessed to reach age fifty. As a result, Herb and Helen took pride in hosting this family birthday milestone with an annual family celebration. It is still being celebrated annually, this being the 38th year. Along with his love for the great outdoors, he very much enjoyed traveling with his wife, Helen. They took many trips to include Alaska, Trinidad, Martha's Vineyard, Nova Scotia and Jainaica and the USA. It was pleasurable listening to and viewing pictures of their many escapades. · Herb leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Helen; his devoted daughter, Theresa Broaddus, (Ward), two loving granddaughters who were the love of his life, Liana and Tatyana; four step-children, Sandra (George); Frank, Cynthia(Kevin); sister, Adelle Hooper; brother, George Crockett, Sr.(Lillie); three sisters-in- law,Geraldine, Virginia and Alease Crockett and a host of many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Tributes

Herbert Leroy Crockett

January 5, 1935 - January 21, 2017