M. Jeanne Crocker

Jeanne Buettner Crocker June 8, 1946 - February 8, 2026 Jeanne Buettner Crocker was born in Eugene, Oregon, before moving to Grand Island, Nebraska, as a child. She eventually settled in Lincoln, where she built a life defined by service, faith, and family. As the only daughter in a family of six children, she naturally stepped into the role of the dependable "big sister" upon whom her brothers always relied – a role she took to heart as the twin sister to her brother Mike.

Early in her life, Jeanne made a commitment to Jesus that remained steadfast even in her most difficult seasons. While attending the First Church of the Nazarene, she met the love of her life, Alexander T. Crocker, while he was building the church. They were married on January 1, 1966, and moved to Lincoln to build their home. This home was one of open doors and open hearts; it included Alex’s two children as well as one of her cousins, whom she took under her wing.

Jeanne was a caregiver by nature and by trade. Before welcoming foster children, she worked as a Labor & Delivery nurse, where her compassionate care led to lifelong friendships. She and Alex eventually became a licensed foster home, welcoming more than 100 children into their lives over the years. Jeanne transformed this calling into a 20-year career as a paraprofessional in early childhood special education for Lincoln Public Schools. After retiring, she pivoted to caring for the elderly, obtaining her CNA license to provide in-home care. She loved to say that her favorite generations to care for were the "little ones and the elderly." There was never a time she could see a baby and not try to make them smile.

Her love for people meant she never met a stranger. From grocery store cashiers to bank tellers, she always asked, "How's your day going?" and stayed for the real answer. She had a rare gift for drawing people out of their shells with sincerity, and in return, people often went above and beyond to help her.

Jeanne’s faith was her anchor. She found great joy in worshiping with her fellow congregants at her different church homes of First Assembly, Gates of Praise, Life Tabernacle, and Radiant. Her faith was especially evident as she cared for Alex through his illness and death while working two jobs, a period that strengthened her for the years ahead. Though she was small in stature, she was "fierce" in spirit. From post-polio syndrome to her "wonky" sciatica, and the removal of her stomach, Jeanne endured more medical maladies than most, yet her positivity never wavered.

Jeanne is survived by a family who will miss her to infinity, including her two youngest daughters, Anngee Faytinger (Oklahoma City) and Juliee Crocker (Lincoln), who were her pride and joy and the heart of her world. She is also survived by her brothers Mike, her twin (Judy) Buettner, Harlan (Jennifer) Buettner, Dave Buettner, and Tim (Kathy) Buettner; her cousin and "sister-bond" Wanda Sue Meiners (Darwin); and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends including Donna, Pam, Diane, Rhoda and Gi’Aniya, and Laz and Linda. While her love for humans would never be surpassed, she found comfort in the company of her pets including Sammy the Mini Schnauzer who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2019. She was owned by many cats over the years including Tabee, Poindexter, Skittles, Lucky, Shantea, and Raven. Her most recent dog, Eleanor Rigby (Ellie) the Havanese, was such a constant companion that people often wondered if the dog's feet were ever allowed to touch the ground.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Marjorie Buettner; her husband, Alex; her brother Bill and his wife Marla; sister-in-law Sue; stepson Alex Jr.; stepdaughter Karen Judy; grandson Tim; great-granddaughter Cheyenne; and best friends Deloris (and her husband Joe) and Marilyn.

While we grieve her absence, we are comforted knowing she has had a joyful reunion in heaven, finally free of the pain and afflictions she bore so bravely.

As per her wishes, Jeanne has been cremated. The celebration of her remarkable life is currently pending and the details will be announced by the family soon.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith “ – 2 Timothy 4:7