I recently was sent some McQuirter family research that has Crickett McKinney 's name as the researcher. In trying to find her, I came upon this and a few other sites that  tell me she is  gone from us.  It makes me sad because I find that I did not live that far away and I would have loved to have met her and talked family history mysteries.  It seems she connected the mystery parts for my branch of the McQuirter family and I am very grateful. I am sorry for your lose and I think we would have been friends if we had found each other sooner. Any other family interested in McQuirter history feel free to contact me.  Janet Windham. jpwindham@rocketmail.com I live in GA and travel back to Mississippi often. We have a McQuirter reunion 1st weekend in May at Lake Tiakata . Facebook-Janet Pridmore Windham

Momma, Im thinking of you today! I started back College this week and so far so good. Im going for Early Childhood Education! Momma, I miss you so much! I hate that you are gone! I miss your laugh and all your phone calls!!!! I love you!!

I discovered the news about Helen passing yesterday when I decided to seek contact using Facebook to communicate.  I was stunned,dismayed and literally speachless. Although my only contact with Helen (my ancestry linked distant cousin) was though emails regarding our mutual interest in researching our common family links, I feel as though I have lost my best friend. Crickett compassion and altruism is evident by all the lives she influenced. Crickett, my cousin & friend, will be truly missed and remembered with loving thoughts and my nightly prayers.

My sympathy goes out to the family, on the loss of such a wonderful person.  We met on www.ancestry.com about two years ago.  I am hoping that someone in the family will keep the tree going in her honor.

Momma - Thinking of you today!! I love you sooooooo much. You mean the world to me and I miss you so much! Its so hard to say goodbye to you but I am learning how more and more everyday. I am trying to stay strong for the boys. We love you!

Crickett will live on in our hearts and our memories. She was a beacon of light in our lives. She is missed and we all loved her. God bless.

ONe day I noticed a woman at the top of my fence taking pictures of my horses and goats( Dancer) This was Crickett, I went up and talked to her and invited her down to see our farm and pet the animals, she had just lost her dad and stayed a few hours at my house talking with me, she was a very nice caring woman, we talked and she came back again later after her mother passed. She then bought her own farm and I recently gave Dancer to her because I knew she could give him more attention that I could. This is a total shock and I will miss all of her lovely pics, she had a way with a camera. She made me see the beauty in my bare dirt farm!
Jennifer Lee(monroe,Ga)

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Crickett. I know she was well loved and shall be deeply missed.
June McKinney McNally  Palm City, Florida

To the family of Crickett...i would like to offer my condolences for your loss...

My prayers go with you on this next step of you journey . I will miss you but I shall always have a part of you in my memories . be at peace my friend.

Everytime I pick up my Camera , see a chicken or drive up to the mountians . I will think of you . Your one of those special people that only come around ever so few time in ones life . And i am so glad I was able to call you my friend . As my heart is heavy over our lose . I know you are still with us . As we travel on with our life's I am looking forward to those little reminders you have left for us to find . I will miss you . 
                                                        Till we meet again

Crickett was a wonderful person. 
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I thank Heaven for the internet because otherwise I would have been denied "meeting" Crickett.. she loved her friends, family, her critters and her farm...she has extended friends and family that will miss her. But to her family and close friends I want to say, let her joy of simple things let you see things around you that would ordinarily be missed bring thoughts of her to your mind.. and when you see a critter in need, do something for it.. because she would give you a nod of approval from Heaven...My deepest condolences..

Our grief over the loss of our friend, Crickett, can only be overshadowed by the joy and laughter she shared with us. Crickett, you will be missed, yet remain in our hearts forever!

Momma,

You found a way to get out of me taking your pictures. Go figure.

I love you.... you are my hero and you will always be the one I will turn to.

Thank you for loving me and the girls.

I first met Crickett at band camp. I will remember her for her smile and her willingness to share it with everyone. She loved people and making others smile. She will be SORELY missed.

We met at Shaw. I don't remember exactly when or where at school but I am glad we met. See you on the other side.

Hey Momma!!I just wanted to tell you that I love you so so so much!! I can't believe you have been taken away from me!! Not a day goes by that we don't think of you!!! The boys were sooooo lucky to have a grandmother like you!!!! I love you MommA!!!

OK girl here  it is.  I know that you will remember this.  I wouldn't let you quit the Shaw High Softball Team because you wasn't Crazy about the coach.  Good thing you didn't because you would have really made your mom loose her mind.  Rest inpeace.

Crickett - not sure when we actually met but it's a Shaw thing - always remember your camera and blue eyes, your laughter and smile - you will be so missed - SHS!!! xoxo Kathleen Mullins Mason '83

I met you at Spencer High and knew until I graduated in 1979, you were always the one that would make me laugh and I will never forget that about you!!!  Rest in Peace Crickett!!

Lynn Porter Cantrell

Bobby Green, met at high school. Good times in band.

Crickett, I will miss you and your beautiful pictures and the sweet stories about your beloved animals.You will alawys be special. Denise (Miles) Cash

hey aunt cricket, i love you so very much and miss you like crazy! i had so much to tell you about Ireland when i got back. i know you would have loved it! love you again <3

our condolences. we met cricket through jt.

Crickett, I remember when you came to my house one afternoon and taught Ron and Rusty How to burn Leaves with a magnyfing glass.  Love you

My name is Kacie Arnold, I knew Criclett through Samantha as she was in the HHS band w/ her. We send our condolences to the family... love, Donna Arnold, Martha arion(booboo), Pop Iden, & Kacie Arnold

To the family and all of the SHAW HIGH CLASSMATES we lost a beautiful young lady and a devoted friend.  Rest in PEACE Crickett
Leon Berk and Family

I met Ms Crickett through JT, at Gramba's visitation; he passed the same day as my father. My love to the family.

Jan Hudgins Clauson

You are in our thoughts and prayers.  She will be missed.

Crickett was an amazing person and loved dearly....I know that God must be letting her take care of the animals in heaven! Here's hoping there is chocolate cake there:) We will miss you, and we love you.

Our thoughts go to the family and hope they find comfort and peace.  Crickett and I used to meet up at the lake to walk our dogs and take pictures.  Crickett was completely in her element with a dog by her side and a camera in her hand.  If she could have brought the goats she would have! 

Ben and Heather

I am so sorry for your loss, you were a grand person to know and love..we will miss you!

Crickett, we met our Senior Year in High School, you always brought a smile to my face. I will miss you.

we met at Spencer high 1977. love you and will always keep you in my thoughts.

My name is Rita Sanders Floyd and Crickett made my brother the happiest man alive and I am grateful he had her in his life.

We met you through your brother marrying our daughter Paula.  It was a delight to enjoy you at the McKinney family gatherings

Don and Merril Mountan

Hi Crickett! I met you through your husband, my good friend Chuck. Though we never met in person, I really enjoyed our interactions and online conversations. I always loved reading your posts online about the farm and all the animal stories! Even though we never met in person, I'll still miss you! Chuck will keep your legacy (and your critters) alive!

Chuck, Samantha, Anna, JT and all of Crickett's family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. 

Crickett, per your request of how we met: June 29, 2008 through Bennie White's genealogy group. After just a few emails, you said that you and I must be twins separated at birth due to our very similar researching habits! ;0) And you telling Chuck, "See! I'm not the only one who does this!!" ;0) -- By the way, I'm still trying to make that connection between your Williamses and Sullivans, and mine!

I told you that one day, I was going to come up there to "Paradise", for us to hang out and take lots of photos of the natural beauty that surrounded us! I'm so sad, that it didn't get to happen!

Crickett, I will miss you immensely and will carry you close to my heart, forever!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am sadden for your loss. Crickett was a very upbeat person and I will miss her.

Crickett I only been in touch with you a few years but it has been a journey with you when you were trying to get animals to the vet a few weeks ago then hear this news was bad, but my prayers go out to you and your family and your new husband we love you alot.

Crickett, your family and your SHS family are going to miss you and your upbeat posts. The upcoming reunion will not be the same.  I am sending prayers to your husband, your children,grandchildren and your animals. God Bless Them. This just happened way to fast.  Your Friend-Kim Bennett Ericson, SHS Class of 82

Another great loss for this wonderful family. We all join in your sorrow. Carol Carroll

My thoughts and prayers are with Crickett's family and all her special friends! Crickett I will never forget you and all the beauty you have shared with us all.

Living, caring, sharing, compassionate, talented, and more than just a little stubborn. So much more than the sum of your parts. Part of my life for decades. I will miss your laughter sorely.

Crickett,

I am all out of sorts! I miss you! I am not really good at this emotion stuff... But you know how I feel. I will Always remember you! Until next time...

Cricket you were loved so much and had such a kind loving soul I must believethat you are in the arms of an ANGEL.  Tears are how our heart speaks when our lips cannot describe how much weve been hurt. Chuck, crickett babies and grandbabies You are in my thoughts and prayers.,

Words cannot express my sorrow at the loss of Crickett. My sincere condolences to her family. I will miss her.

May God bring strength to your family during this time. You will not be forgotten by so many Crickett. You have touched so many lives in different ways. You are already missed by so many.

Forever in my heart will you remain. You were one of the first that taught me to be comfortable in my skin. That beauty was not something on the outside but a deep reflection of your soul. I will forever keep your smile, your laughter and unconditional loving manner that made you "Cricket".  

Until we meet again my best beloved, Your memory will burn in my heart always. 

XOX 
kara

Signing this guest book is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do my friend, but you would never let me slide if I didn't!!  Although we met in high school, we became such close friends in the last few years...because your determination brought so many classmates back together after "all" these years!  I miss being able to pickup the phone and call you...I miss your infectious smile...but more than anything I miss your unconditional heart!  The saying says..."Count your age by friends, not years...Count your life by smiles, not tears."  With that being said, you are "ageless!"  You will forever be in my heart dear friend and for all of us left behind, we can all agree how truly blessed we were to call you friend!!  I know you are going to send to us comfort during these trying times, with the picturesque sunsets and landscapes that you showed us daily on your FB page...but most of all, I know you will send us comfort whenever we see an animal because you believed each and every one of yours to be special in their own way! I will continue to be thankful for every day I have left on this earth because we never know when God will call us home...or do we in some way know? I will always cherish our friendship more than I could ever put into words!  I will miss you my dear sweet friend...until we see each other again!!  Hugs!!!!

To the family of Crickett ~

My heart broke when I read this in the paper. I am praying for each one of you.
God bless you all today, and in the days ahead.

How did I meet you? I was a freshman the day Shaw opened its doors. You were a junior, a photographer, and I was in awe of you for both. Almost thirty years later, I met you again on Facebook. I didn't talk to you every day. I didn't even look at your pictures every day. But every time I needed a little lift; every time I needed a chuckle; every time I thought that things were at their darkest... those are the times I'd type in "Crickett" and go to your page to seek the view of the world through your eyes. You always made me smile. I know you're lookin down at all of us now, shaking your head and wishing we'd stop crying over you. We will. Eventually. But for now, we're crying for ourselves cause we miss you. Have patience with us, God isn't finished with us yet. Every time I take a picture, or see one I wish I could take, I will know that's you.

Crickett, as I sit here and read the guestbook postings, I still find it hard to believe that your gone. God must have needed a Head Shepherd. In your honor, I am posting one of your beautiful pictures.

Me at a loss for words, Crickett your the only one I know that could do that to me any time you wanted, usually because you had me laughing so hard. your smile and laugh will keep those in Heaven on there Toes now that your there. My prayers to the Family. Look OUT HEAVEN HERE SHE COMES!!!

Crickett was one of the most incredible people I had the pleasure of calling a friend.  Loyal, honest, and true are only a few of the words that describe Crickett.  To Chuck and Crickett's family, you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Alex & Kara

You asked those who knew you to leave a note about how we met and so I will. Some thirty years ago you had a close friend Jackie who was married to George Bradley. You all went for a motorcycle ride up toward Atlanta and on the way back George was in an accident on his motorcycle that claimed his life. You, Jackie, and Goffy, whose bike had a flat, and was the reason the group split up, remained at the truck stop in Hogansville where family came to meet all of you to take you back and tell you the bad news. Your boyfriend, at the time, whose name I forget was also in the accident that claimed George and he remained in serious condition from injures sustained in that accident and was later released. I had just begun dating Jackie's youngest sister Joanna Olds that week. I remember Jackie and Goffy always talking about Crickett, to the point that 30 some years later when I saw you on the Shaw high Face Book page I had to message you to see if there could possibly be another Crickett anywhere in the world. I soon found out that you where an original, a one of a kind, and I helped you get in touch with Goffy, now fully grown and called Michael. That is how I first heard of you, thirty years ago,   June 16 1982, only to finally meet you, albeit through FB, a few months ago. I hope to make the trip to see you rest in peace. God bless your family and friends and keep you forever in that peace.

P.S. I thought there were two separate guest books one for the Ledger and one for the funeral home. If I have posted twice, as it appears I have, I apologize.

One of those events that a family must endure. Know that your mother, and wife, was ever upbeat, happy, and the rarest of things, in this world, content. "God is close to the broken hearted and nearer still to those crushed in spirit."

I was blessed to have known Crickett for many years. She was always a free spirit with a pure heart. Even into current times her spirit could be felt through her writings and pictures on Facebook. If Crickett was your friend, you had a FRIEND. I'm going to miss that friend, but I know one day I will see her again. God Bless you Crickett, your family that is left behind, and all your friends which number many that will miss you and your daily messages.

Initially went into sadness, though it could not last long enough to wallow in because of the comments that Crickett often made cause me to laugh and share them here in Virginia. Heck, if you just go outdoors to take a look at nature you'll enjoy everything about Cricket, and what she brought each day that kept us amused beyond High School!  
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine...  Thank you for the (medicine) laughter.

I always enjoyed your daily updates on the animals, they were rather entertaining!! My favorite was..."No one tell my son...but I have to shove a goat in the car in the morning AND another one in the afternoon." I also appreciate you reaching out when you knew I was upset.You were by far one of the sweetest women I have ever had the privledge of meeting. You were so full of life...spread it around up there :) We love you & miss you!! Oh, & I'm still not naming the baby Emaline...lol

Warm Summer Sun

Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
 Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night. 

By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
<a target="_blank" href="http://poetryfoundation.org/index.html">The Poetry Foundation</a>

I will always remember the good times we have had in Jr. High and High School. I really am glad that we had these mini reunions. You always put a smile on everyone's face. R.I.P. my friend. You are missed.

You will truly be missed by all who knew and loved your kind gentle and loving spirit. My deepest condolences to your family.

You were the big sister I never had. I'm glad you were just as the same as an adult as you were as a teenager. You always found beauty in places others did not look and always made the most exasperating situation hilarious with your insights. I love you and miss you.

I will always remember Crickett for her wonderful personality , her beautiful photography, and her love of animals.  My prayers are with her family.

It would be impossible for me to put to words the sincere sympathy I wish to express. I have worked closely with Crickett for the several years at Goodwill Industries. Her passing represents the loss of not only a co-worker of many years, but also a very close friend. If there is anything I can do for you at this difficult time, please let me know.

I truely will miss the friend I had found in you ! I will see you again one day .  Heaven is certainly gaining a true Angel . I know you are looking down on the farm and your loved ones ...we will be there for them too .

Thirty three years she has touched our soul. Her Shaw family mourns at such a tremendous loss. My prayers go out to Chuck, the children and her grandchildren. God bless...we will see you again one day.

Hearing the echos of your voice reminds me of thiry eight years of knowing what a friend I had, maybe we didn't talk like we should have, but we could pick up pretty much where we left off, life has a way of carrying on while we dance in the rain..we may have grown up city gals as they say, but country was in our hearts..over the last few years we got to see some beautiful country, animals, family, friends..all through your eyes..what a surreal joy..My sorrows are like no other..goodbyes I have yet to learn..so I say so long for now my sweet girl,God Bless..I Pray for Chuck, Anna, JT & Sam that they find comfort..knowing the many lifes you touched..the love you held for each of them..Rest peacefully now My Friend..for Heaven has one of the best yet...I love you!

My favorite memory of you was your love for our German Shepherd, Rebel.  I think the feelings where mutual because every time you came over he tried to lick you to death.  I will cherish those childhood memories always.

While you are wondering around Heaven give my love to dad, Granny & a big smooch to Rebel.  

Until we meet again old friend....

Crickett, I'm sorry to have not met you. You were great help in my family tree line of the Taylors. I only wish I could have had more time to get to know you and learn from you. Your enthusiasm in your research was awesome. Prayers for your family as they carry on and thoughts of you will remind forever in my tree.

Crickett, you are the only person in my 51 year to shut me up.  I don't know what the hell to say.  I just saw you Sunday.  You know I love you, and God Speed.  P.S.  Save me and Chuck a place at the bar !!!!!!!!!!!

Crickett, I love this 1980 picture of you.

May God cradle you in His Loving arms for Eternity. I haven't seen you since High School but I do remember the talks we had in class and in the halls. You had such a way making people smile. Now God is smiling.

Crickett you put a smile on everyone's face and we will miss all the laughter you brought into our lives... May God continue to Bless your family and keep them strong during this difficult time.  Family Cherish ALL the memories and make her PROUD of you.  Shaw Raider Forever

 At your request, my favorite momories of you envolved you and JT having friendly, yet hilarious spats on facebook. They were never arguements, simply differences of opinions, like when he bought you that car and told you not to haul animals in it, yet you did anyway! You two were more entertaining than a cat chasing a laser light. I'm going to miss you Ms. Crickett!

Crickett's spirit and inspiration will always be remembered.   It was an honor knowing her.   May the Lord bless and comfort her family.

Crickett and I never met face to face, but I considered her a very dear friend.
We shared genealogy notes and discoveries over the years.  She had such
a wonderful sense of humor.  There is a hole in my heart and I will miss her
greatly.  My sincere sympathy to her family.  You will never know how many people she touched in a positive way.
Emma Lou Price, former resident of Lauderdale County, MS, now living in
Sheridan, WY.

I will miss her photography eye of beauty.Enjoy the view baby!

My heart & prayers go out to Crickett's family and close friends. She was loved by any & all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Crickett's chirp will be heard in heaven now. I love & miss you.

Crickett was a friend for several years.  I never got to meet her in person, but her outlook on life, sense of humor, sharp wit, amazing photography skills, and the joy she took in her animals, plus the love she had for Chuck and her children and grandchildren...I loved her and miss her.

Praying for Chuck, Samantha, Anna, and JT's comfort in this trying time.  You all were so loved!

"Crickett your presence will truly be missed. Just like back at Shaw High School your spirit will continue to linger with each and every one of us. We love you dearly girl! May God Bless you.

Cathy Chaney ( Columbus, GA)

My dear sweet Crickett.  Love you always.  You will be missed.  Love to all your family.  Praying God will hold their hands and hearts during this sad time.

Words can never be enough to say goodbye to one of my very best friends. When we met so many years ago we became partners in fun, where one was the other not far away.  What developed was a lifetime of memories and so many crazy stories to share. The common goal of getting people together and building lifelong friendships. Oh Crickett how I will miss our crazy zany days. The boat coming off the trailer, the late night slumber parties, the long drives to nowhere sharing dreams and hopes of better days to come, so many that will now be cherished in my heart forever. You are our angel now, watching over us all..holding a cup of coffee, with that big Crickett Smile beaming down from the heavens. I love you. ~cas~

Chuck, Anna JT, Samantha all of the family and Judi and every dear friend of Cricket ; my heart felt deepest sympathy goes out to each of you (us)...what a special person you are to so many. I met you at Shaw High School ...my favorite memory is the time you brought my sons puppy up here. We meet you down at the Chevron. We found you with a total of 3 dogs and a water bowl for each and you sitting on the ground ...I will miss your posts of life on  the farm. Thank you for touching our lives with the pup you gave us. RIP

I miss you more than you will ever know!! I will always remember the good times we had ( and boy there was some good times).. I will do what i can to help take care of JT, Anna, Samantha, DJ & Darien!!  My heart goes out to Chuck, JT, Anna & Samantha.  I LOVE YOU SO MUCH & YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF ME FOREVER!!!!

RIP Crickett, You will be missed by many people & animals. Donna Lewey

Crickett, you will always hold a special little corner in my heart.  I will never forget all the great genealogy searches we worked on the past few years.  I will miss your posts on my genealogy groups and your posts on Facebook.  It has been an honor to have been your friend and fellow family historian.

My prayers are with Cricketts family and friends. she will be missed. Crickett was a wonderful person who loved animals, taking photos. her animal pictures made me smile all the time.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
crickett was a very special person and Loved by
everyone that knew her.she will be missed.

"This is what you shall do: love the earth and the sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants; argue not concerning god, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any men or any number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, reexamine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem." --Walt Whitman

RIP, my dear friend.  Much love to JT, Samantha, Anna, and Chuck.

Crickett I only knew you as the chicken lady on facebook for the last few years and have loved talking to you and you will be missed!

I love you Aunt Crickett... I'll be thinking about you often and praying to you EVERY night. You are such an amazing person and I will miss seeing your post/stories on facebook and I'll always remember when I broke the baby haha. I know you will be watching over all of us especially your kids and Chuck. I will be missing you... but I know I'll see you again one day!

OBITUARY

Helen Odeal Sanders

March 23, 1962 – June 22, 2012

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel

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