Cricket Fletcher

Born in Lufkin, Texas, Cricket was the daughter of Hugh Willard Grimes and Earline Parker Grimes. She graduated from Diboll High School with the Class of 1972 and went on to build a long and successful career, first in the banking industry in Lufkin and later in automotive sales after moving to Bossier City, Louisiana.

For the final 21 years of her working career, Cricket was a valued member of the Wray Ford sales team. Her dedication, knowledge, and genuine connection with her customers earned her a loyal following, with many returning customers continuing to ask for her years after her retirement. She was named Salesperson of the Month on several occasions, took time to mentor new employees, and became a familiar face in the dealership’s local television commercials. Her commitment to her work and the people around her was evident throughout her career. In addition, Cricket served on the board of her homeowners association in Bossier City for more than 20 years, demonstrating her dedication to her community.

Above all else, Jesus was the center of Cricket’s life. Her faith was not simply something she believed; it was something she shared daily. She faithfully sent Bible verses to her family, enjoyed women’s Bible study and Sunday school, and treasured worship and fellowship with her church families. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, including during her battle with cancer.

Cricket had a love for life that showed up in so many ways. She was an animal lover, especially fond of dogs and horses, and in her younger years enjoyed riding horses and competing in the Miss Angelina County Rodeo Queen competition. She loved a good road trip, especially one that included shopping and delicious food—with fried food always being a favorite! She also enjoyed scary movies and looked forward to monthly pokeno nights with her ladies in Haughton.

Cricket worked hard throughout her life, and her career was a source of pride and purpose. When her health required her to retire and focus on her battle with cancer, she was able to spend more time enjoying the fruits of her labor and making wonderful memories with family and friends. Those who shared in those adventures will forever cherish the time they spent together, remembering Cricket’s sharp sense of humor, quick wit, and unmistakable ability to make them laugh.

Cricket’s greatest legacy is found not only in her years of hard work or the many lives she touched through her career, but also in the faith she lived, the relationships she nurtured, and the memories she leaves behind. She will be remembered as a devoted woman of faith, a loyal friend, a beloved family member, and a determined, hardworking woman who met life with strength, humor, and heart.

She is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Terry and Pat Brown of Haughton, Louisiana, and Al and Jo Buschman of Lufkin, Texas; her beloved niece, Heidi Schmidt, and her husband, Bill, with whom she lived during the last five years of her life; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Willard Grimes and Earline Parker Grimes, and her brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Adarene “Sweet” Grimes.

Family and friends will gather to visit on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m at the Elwyn M. Gipson Chapel at Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin. A Celebration of Cricket's Life will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Dr. John Greene and Bro. Don Francis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastwood Baptist Church in Haughton, Louisiana; Sugar Land Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas; or a charity of one’s choice.

Though Cricket will be deeply missed, the love she shared, the faith she lived, and the laughter she brought into the lives of others will continue to be treasured by all who knew and loved her.