the Obituary of Marlena Christine Crockett

Marlena Crockett went home to be with the Lord on December 6, 2024. She was 88 years old.

Marlena Christine Crockett was born on March 26, 1936 in Bloomington, Illinois, to Cephas and Marian Ross. She was the eldest girl amongst 3 siblings: brother Marlow and sisters Edith and Elaine. She graduated from Normal Community High School. In 1956, Marlena married naval officer Gerald Crockett in Chicago, Illinois. Together, they had four beautiful children.

Nursing was Marlena’s passion and she spent many years as a beloved LVN. Caring for her family and being of service to her patients brought her joy. She was known for her selfless acts of kindness, always putting others before herself. Marlena retired in Springfield, IL, after 25 years of service in the medical field.

In 2014, she co-authored her autobiography with her eldest daughter, Carmen. The book is entitled, “Sister”.

Marlena was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. In her spare time, she was an avid sports fan, fashion enthusiast and antique collector. Marlena will be remembered by all who knew her for her kind heart, witty sense of humor and her wealth of knowledge. She will be dearly missed.

The last 5 years of her life were spent in Yreka, California, with her youngest daughter, Darya. Marlena loved the California sunshine and being close to the ocean.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cephas and Marian Ross; siblings, Marlow Ross and Edith Jones.

She is survived by her four children Carmen (Kyle) Grier, Elleen Crockett, Kevin Crockett, Darya Crockett; sister Elaine Anderson; grandchildren: Jaelyn Crockett, Janahl Crockett, Jamelio Crockett, Arthur Crockett, Sabrina Murphy, Mariah York, Marlena Brown; as well as 10 great-grandchildren.

She will be laid to rest in Bloomington next to her beloved mother and father.

Marlena’s celebration of life will be private.

sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel

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