Obituary for
Cleva Belle Crockett (Henderson)
Cleva Belle Crockett, age 83, died peacefully August 13 at Mercy Villa after a well-fought battle with diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
She was born January 4, 1933 in Hayti, Missouri to L.C. and Mary Belle (Roddy) Henderson. Mom was the oldest of three children, growing up in Centralia, Missouri.
While in high school she and her girlfriends went to the grand opening of a new flower shop in town. The young owner, M.A. “Davy” Crockett, was giving all the ladies a red carnation. After presenting mom’s friends with carnations, he went to the back of the shop and brought out a beautiful cymbidium orchid which he gave to her. That was the beginning of their love story. A year later they eloped to Arkansas. Her father, not being happy about the elopement, had the highway patrol in three states looking for them.
Their marriage was loving and strong for 43 years until Dad’s death June 2, 1992. They were always supportive and proud of their three children and delighted to be doting grandparents!
She is survived by daughter, Elaine (Steve) Schulke, Springfield: son, Randy Crockett, Nixa; daughter, Cathy (Kevin) Suit, McKinney, TX. Grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Nolan, Kansas City; Phillip (Erin) Pohren, Chillicothe; Crystal (Michael) Shoults, Springfield; Bobby Crockett, Rogersville; Courtney (Joey) Rangel, McKinney, TX; Ashley (Mason) Rebarchek, Winona, MN. Great-grandchildren Ella, Katherine, Caroline, and Sidney Pohren; Taylor and Courtney Nolan; Bryce and Kinsley Shoults; Izzy, Olivia, and Lucy Rangel; Skyler, Lily, and Tessa Rebarchek. She is also survived by her siblings, Ann Cook, Oklahoma City and Carl Henderson, Centralia.
Visitation will be held at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine, Tuesday, August 16 6-8pm. A private service will be held on Wednesday, August 17.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the American Alzheimer’s Association, Mercy Villa, or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the staff of Mercy Villa and Mercy Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness.
Online condolences may be made at www.klingner-rivermonte.com.
