Linda Kay Crockett was born Linda Kay Hervey to Willie and Lizzie Hervey on December 7, 1948, in Wichita, Kansas. She was the last of five children, and a surprise to her parents. Born on the historic day of Pearl Harbor, Linda entered the world during a moment of great national hardship-an apt beginning for a woman whose life would be defined by courage in the face of challenges.

As a young child Linda bravely battled the polio virus, a challenge that could have dimmed a lesser spirit, instead she met every obstacle with grace and determination. Refusing to let her diagnosis hinder the fullness of her life, she refused to be home schooled and received her education in the Wichita Public School system, graduating from Wichita North High School. Linda continued her education at Friends University where she not only excelled academically, receiving a bachelor's degree in secondary education and a bachelor's degree in business administration, she also discovered one of the greatest blessings of her life. It was there she met Morris Duane Moore-the love of her life.

Duane and Linda were joined in marriage, and two daughters were born to this union, Melissa Lynett and Monique Rachelle. Together they built a beautiful life centered around their children. Their home was filled with warmth, laughter and a strong foundation of faith in God. Duane and Linda shared a common bond in their dedication to the Church of Christ. Their commitment to their church home was evidenced by Linda's work in numerous women's auxiliary and youth ministry and Duane became a deacon responsible for the bus ministry. They worked tirelessly in their service of the Lord until God called Duane home.

Linda was blessed to find love again in Ted C. Crockett (Mr. Crockett). The two were inseparable and together they created a home whose doors were never closed. Mr. Crockett AKA PawPaw and Linda enjoyed a life centered around faith and love until God called him home.

Linda was a loving childcare provider for over 30 years. Her care transcended beyond general childcare and no child ever aged out with her. Daycare became life care. She took tremendous pride in being a refuge for ANYONE who needed it! If you knew her, you know how true that was. The number of men, women and children who have lived with her over the years is countless. Her house was a true "Granny's House" where there was always a warm bed and a hot meal. She was a mother, aunt, sister, or grandmother to everyone she encountered, not just those she was blood related to.

Linda was a fierce protector and the matriarch of her family. Her legacy is one of overcoming adversity, showing that true strength is not about never failing but about rising again and refusing to give up.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Melissa (Antonio) Martinez, Monique Bethea, Godson Marcus (Brandy) Hicks, Goddaughter Marcela (Jacob) McNett, stepdaughter Deatra Crockett, adopted son Terry Jones, granddaughters Ariana and A'niyah Martinez, Aniyah and Aubrey Bethea, adopted granddaughter Daria Gainey, grandsons Cristian (Brandi) Martinez, Desmond (Meghan) Martinez, RJ Bethea, Joaquin Martinez, Nathan and Daxton Hicks, great-grandsons Zaire Martinez and Desmond Martinez Jr., nephews Stefante Goodall, Hamal and Hakeem Jackson, nieces Angelia (Stanley) Paul, Rachelle (Ron) Self, Adonica Goodall, Lisa Samuel and Jennifer and Julie Rumph, as well as a host of extended family, church family and friends. We are forever grateful to have been a part of her life, and we will never forget the lessons she taught us.

Rest easy now Moma, you have been reunited with your family, and your work here is done.