Jeff D. Crockett

Jeff D. Crockett, son on the late Robert and Pearl Crockett was born on July 10, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois.  He departed this life on Friday, July 12, 2019 at Joliet Area Community Hospice.  He grew up in a Christian home with a mother who was a true believer in the power of prayer.  He was the youngest of four siblings; Dorothy, Robert, Eddie Pearl and Bernice who all preceded him in death.  Jeff was educated in the Chicago Public School system.  He developed a love of painting and later became the founder and owner of Jays Painting Service.  On July 6, 1985 he joined in hoy matrimony to Carolyn A. McKenzie.

As a young adult he accepted Christ as his Savior and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in Chicago, IL where he was crowned a Deacon.  Deacon Crockett was committed to his work in the ministry side by side with his brother, the late Pastor Robert E. Crockett, Jr.  In 1958, they were led to Markham, Illinois where Bel Aire M.B. Church was planted.  He served at various churches including. Philadelphia Baptist Church on the south side of Chicago.  He often shared stories related to his love of street ministry, singing gospel hymns, and teaching Sunday School.  Deacon Crockett took his duties as a deacon very serious and actively demonstrated his devotion to prayer, ministering to others, and serving his church.  At his time of death, he was a committed and founding member of Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, although lately his health prevented him from regular attendance.

Deacon Crockett was referred to by many as dignified, a peacemaker, a great man of faith and affectionately called “Papa and Po-Peep.”  He thoroughly enjoyed traveling, spending quality time, and attending church events with the love of his life, Carolyn who he often referred to as “Snooky,”  He was proud to call Karen, Pam and Leka his daughters and had extraordinary relationships with each of them. He loved his grandsons dearly and took joy in teaching them how to box and the appropriate way to court a lady.  He also loved talking with is granddaughters about their educational and professional accomplishments.

To cherish his memories; he leaves his beloved wife, Carolyn; three daughters, Karen (Daren) of Aurora, IL, Pam (Cliff) of Joliet, IL, Meleka of Country Club Hills, IL; nine grandchildren, Chanynn, Joe, Justin, Marcus, Cameron (Suzhou China), Ciara, Mario, Alexis d Alex; one great grandson, Aaron (who he called Jr.) and a host of nieces, nephews, church members and friends.  He held close to his heart his special relationships with his niece, Debra Crockett and his son and daughter of the faith, Lloyd and Estella Craig.

Deacon Crockett’s ministry life is reflected in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Jude, shall give me at that day: and not only to me, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  Deacon Crockett’s friendly spirit, warm smile and sound Christianly advice will be missed by all.

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