Kittye Jo Crockett passed peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2023 after a life filled with service to others. She was born on January 16, 1939 in Crenshaw, Mississippi, the oldest daughter of Jane and Joe Crockett.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi Women’s University and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University, Kittye worked in child welfare and protective services at the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services. After two years in Atlanta, she took a similar position in Columbus, and just three years later became the Deputy Director of the Muscogee County office. In 1989, she was named the Director. Under her steady leadership, the department grew dramatically, expanding its staff to enrich its services to those in need. At Kittye’s retirement in 1998, the Editorial Board of the Columbus Ledger-Inquirer expressed gratitude for her many years of service, noting that “for many thousands of residents of this city she was the only help at hand, the only relief, the only friend.”
As might be expected of someone doing such work, Kittye was a woman of strong Christian faith and fierce devotion to others. She also loved to travel, going with family and friends to explore Alaska, England, Australia, and New Zealand along with enjoying many cruises and annual visits to Panama City.
Kittye is survived by her beloved friends and dedicated caregivers Joy Shellnut and Korena Tucker, her sister Anne McWilliams (Jody), her nephew Mark McWilliams (Rachel) and their children Jack (Murphy) and Annie, and her niece Heather Brand (Abel) and their daughters Emily, Madison, and Rynn, who spent time every summer with their great aunt.
Kittye’s life will be celebrated at 3:00 on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, with a visitation beforehand at 2:00, at Striffler Hamby Mortuary in Columbus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church and Open Door Community House.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Crockett family.
