Mrs. Lucille Effie Crockett, 94, lifelong resident of Melfa, passed away on Dec. 28, 2023, at Shore Health & Rehab in Parksley.
Born on June 29, 1929, in Melfa, she was the daughter of the late Edward G. East and the late Mary H. East. Lucille was down-to-earth, private, and even-tempered. She enjoyed a simple, quiet, and good life with her husband, Louis Edward Crockett, until his passing at age 54. Lucille and Louis had a little girl, Donna, whom they loved very much.
Lucille worked as a telephone switchboard operator for C & P Telephone Company. After retirement in 1978, she stayed at home and took care of her mother. Never flamboyant or braggadocious, she was kind and helpful. She even moved out of her home to make sure that her mom was more comfortable. That was her nature — she cared for others discreetly and never for gains in return.
After her mother’s passing, she decided to go right back to work. She was the switchboard operator at Eastern Shore Community College until she finally retired once and for all.
A gentle, humble Christian lady, Lucille enjoyed going to the Rock Church with her daughter, Donna Drew, and son-in-law, Don Drew. Her faith was very important to her.
She began corresponding with a traveling evangelist she met. After her passing, their shared religious history and connection to God led her to leave Lucille her well-read and weathered Bible.
Her last years were spent with her daughter and son-in-law. They cared for her in the very town where she was born and spent her entire life. They will miss her terribly but are grateful for the many life lessons that she taught them both.
Survivors include her daughter, Donna C. Drew, and her husband, Don, of Melfa; granddaughter, Cheryl Bono, and husband, Scott, of Melfa; great-grandson, Kyle Sosnowski, of Melfa; sister-in-law, Loretta East, of Melfa; and several nieces and nephews.
Lucille was predeceased by her husband, Louis E. Crockett; parents, Edward and Mary East; and siblings, Cecil East, Doris Kilmon, and Edward East Jr.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Onancock Cemetery, with the Rev. Paul Nolz officiating.
Contributions in Lucille’s memory may be made to the Rock Church of the Eastern Shore, c/o Norris Beasley, 27112 Lankford Highway, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
