Richard Lee Crockett

Sunrise came on September 13, 1944, the fifth child of Willie George and Ina White Crockett. Richard was born in the Mount Vernon Hospital, in Mount Vernon, New York.

Richard is a graduate of Mount Vernon A.B. Davis High School, Class of 1962. Following graduation, he entered Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He continued his studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Master Degree in Microbiology in 1969. He had a thirst for education and entered Northwestern University and earned a PhD in Science Education in 1979.

He began his teaching career with The City Colleges of Chicago at Woodrow Wilson Jr. College, (which was later renamed Kennedy-King Jr. College). He was a devoted Professor and got no greater joy than molding young minds for the future. For more than thirty-eight years he taught at Kennedy-King College located on the Southside of Chicago.

As a young child, he was a member of Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church in Mount Vernon, New York. Upon moving to Evanston, Illinois in 1971, he joined Fisher Memorial A.M.E Zion Church. There he served as Pastor’s Steward, Steward Board Chairman, Usher, and sung in both the Male and Chancel Choirs. He can still be heard singing “Jesus is the Best Thing That Ever Happen To Me.” He was noted for his voice and leadership in songs, especially those recorded by James Cleveland.

Richard met his love at Livingstone College. He was united in holy matrimony to Carolyn Pauline Settle in 1967, a marriage that would last more than 49 years. This marriage was blessed with two children and four grandchildren. The love and affection he showed his family can never be matched nor forgotten.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, his wife affectionally known as “Caroline”, a son Richard II, one daughter Jennifer (Matthew) Izenstark and four grandchildren, Matthew Jr, Jonna, Zmorah, and Seraphina; Two brothers, William Crockett (Cecilia) of Mount Vernon, New York; George Crockett (Minnie) of Henderson, Nevada; host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many treasured friends.

He had one sister, Elizabeth Ferguson and two brothers Taylor Clinton, Sr. and his twin brother, Ronald C. Crockett who preceded him in death.

Today we celebrate one of God’s soldiers of the cross. He never complained but looked to the cross for strength and direction. Jesus was indeed the “Best Thing That Ever Happened” to Richard.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!