Jean Davidson Crocker

Jean Davidson Crocker was born on January 15, 1931, in Tallassee, Alabama. She was the beloved daughter of Rush and Essie Davidson and grew up in a close-knit family that included her twin sister, Jane, and brothers Monroe and Alfonzo.

After graduating from Tallassee High School, Jean pursued her passion for education at The University of Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and her Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Child Psychology.

While attending the University of Alabama, Jean was set up on a blind date with a young man named William Luckey Crocker. In true Jean fashion, she had another date earlier that day — Luckey was the second. But it was clear from the start that he was the one. They married on July 20, 1952, and together they shared nearly 65 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion before Luckey’s passing in 2016.

Jean and Luckey made their home in Florence, Alabama, where they raised three children — Luckey, Leigh, and Larry — and built a life centered on faith, education, family, and service.

Jean began her career teaching Home Economics at Deshler High School, then went on to teach 7th-grade science before serving as a Guidance Counselor at Forest Hills Elementary. She poured her heart into every classroom and every student she encountered — including her own children — and left a lasting impact on countless lives.

A lifelong sports fan thanks to Luckey’s role as Dean of Instruction at the University of North Alabama, Jean became a loyal supporter of UNA athletics. She rarely missed a football, basketball, baseball, or softball game, and was an enthusiastic member of the UNA Sportsman’s Club. Saturdays in the fall were made for football — especially when she had her lucky seat in the stands.

Jean’s heart for others was evident in everything she did. She was a dedicated member of Woodmont Baptist Church from its early days, and her faith guided her daily life. She was involved in the Professional Educators Organization and, alongside Luckey, spent many years delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. Her love language was hospitality—when you visited her home, you were not just a guest, you were family. She made sure you were well fed and well loved.

She had a gift for bringing people together, whether through her bridge and book clubs or elegant dinner parties where she joyfully set the table with her fine china and silver. Jean had a creative spirit and was a talented needleworker. She helped her grandchildren sew and created exquisite handmade Christmas ornaments for over 30 years. Her iconic Bucilla felt and sequin creations now decorate seven family trees each Christmas—a sparkling legacy of her love and care.

Jean also cherished her time at Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club, where she and Luckey spent many happy days by the lake, welcoming friends and making memories.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Luckey Crocker; her twin sister, Jane Davidson Hardy; her brothers, Monroe and Alfonzo Davidson; and her parents, Rush and Essie Davidson.

Jean leaves behind a family who adored her: Her three devoted children, Luckey Crocker (Rosanne), Leigh Haley (Rick), and Larry Crocker (Phyllis); her beloved grandchildren, Marie Quick (Brandon), Richard Haley (Lindsey), Michael Haley, and Leslie McNamara (Philip); her cherished grandchild by marriage, Kelsey Key (Jack); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Hannah, Will, and Lauren Quick, Paxton, Grayson, and Brayden Haley, Oliver McNamara, and JB Key.

Jean’s life was defined by her deep love for her family, her faith, her students, and her community. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the lessons she taught, and the kindness she gave so freely. She was, in every way, a beautiful example of a life well lived.

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Oak Grove First Baptist Church.