Brenda Crockett
January 24, 1948 — April 17, 2020
Brenda Kay Terry Crockett
Born in Oneida, TN on January 24, 1948
Departed on April 17, 2020 and resided in Gallatin, TN
Brenda Kay Terry Crockett, age 72 of Gallatin, TN passed away April 17, 2020. Brenda was born January 24, 1948 in Oneida, TN. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie L. and Maxine Terry; grandparents, Harrison and Flora Terry, Segal and Nova Terry; father and mother-in-law, Shelley and Justine Crockett. Brenda is survived by her husband of 50 years, Doug Crockett; sisters, Carolyn Terry Street and husband John, Audrey Terry Phillips and June Sewell; brothers, Joel Segal Terry and wife Yvonne and Steve Terry; aunts, Vera Hancock Slaven and Leda Burress; uncles, Fred K. Phillips and Eugene Terry; Goddaughters, Maya and Asha Guha. Brenda is also survived by special friends, Debra Smith, Charlie and Al Watt, Judy Colavecchio, Trish Hammricks, Jerry Jenkins, Salli Carey, Dr. and Mrs. Subir Guha, Angela Adair, Hap Adams, Angela Diaz, Michael Nevin and Patrick Min; caregiver, Nurse Karlee Key and many other relatives and friends.
After graduating from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN, Brenda worked as a second-grade teacher in Dalton, GA. She and Doug were married June 27, 1970 and began their military life at Ft. Bragg, NC. After living in various locations, including South Korea, Brenda began working for Eastern Airlines in Washington, DC. She completed 13 years as a Flight Attendant with Eastern. She next took on the task of helping create and operate Kiwi Air Lines where she wrote airline manuals, did aircraft selections, trained Flight Attendants and helped run the airline's Flight Attendant Program. After Kiwi and a short stint with another airline, she went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Aviation Safety Inspector where she performed a variety of airline and safety jobs including Aircraft Accident Investigation. Having completed 13 years with the FAA, Brenda retired in 2014. She and Doug have made their home in Gallatin, TN for the past several years.
Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. There will be no service due to the current pandemic. Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com. (615) 502-0011
56 Comments Travis Preston Phillips (nephew) April 18, 2020 at 9:16 pmI love my aunt ..i miss her …i know she on heaven’s streets ….we be seeing her soon …
Audrey Phillips April 18, 2020 at 9:42 pmTo my dearest and precious sister,
You have always been in inspiration and a part of my life. We’ve been through good times and bad. A lot of happy times and things we did together. I’ll always love you.
Your little sister,
Audrey
A ray of sunshine and she will be missed by all who knew her. What a blessing to have known her. RIP, Mrs Brenda
Jerry L Jenkins April 18, 2020 at 11:10 pmMy heart aches, my vision is clouded with tears of sorrow for Doug and the entire Crockett clan. "BC" as Brenda was known to me was a caring and fiercely loyal friend. We'll miss her and know from now on there's a missing part in our lives. Sleep well BC, We will miss you!
Jim and Lynn Barnett April 18, 2020 at 11:14 pmBrenda was one of the dearest and most delightful people we've ever known. Our hearts are aching that she is gone. The world has lost a shining star, and our precious friend Doug has lost his soul mate. May he find comfort and peace.
Debra Smith April 18, 2020 at 11:27 pm
You will certainly be missed…you were not only my friend you were like a sister to me! I know Heavens gates opened wide to receive you. May you be at peace.
My thoughts & prayers to Doug & the entire family
Love, Debra
❤️❤️❤️.
Becky Tomlinson April 22, 2020 at 10:53 pmI’m grateful for the opportunity to have known you and shared many good memories at KIWI. You were always a beautiful and special person. Soar with the angels! My condolences to Doug, ypur hamily and friends.⚘
Mary & Lacy Harness April 18, 2020 at 11:27 pmI had the pleasure of meering Brenda thru her nephew Travis very sweet lady I know ahe will be missed . love and prayers to all the family.
Shelley D Crockett April 18, 2020 at 11:35 pmWe sure will miss you Brenda. Love Shelley, Sharon Crockett and family.
Bob and Genie McCombs April 19, 2020 at 12:10 amWe express our sincere sympathy and prayers to everyone. Brenda will be missed by all that knew her. She was an inspiration!
Joanne McCandlish April 19, 2020 at 12:56 amBrenda, I flew with you many times as a flight attendant with Eastern Air Lines. Those were wonderful times and you were such fun to fly with. I am sad that you are no longer with your family and friends in Tennessee, but I am happy that you had such an exciting, adventurous life.
Liz milner April 19, 2020 at 1:07 amBrenda was such a delight to be around. I feel blessed to hAve known her heaven gained a sweet angel she will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to Doug and her family may they be comforted knowing she is no longer in pain. God bless you all
Paul H. Smith April 19, 2020 at 2:33 amDoug – Myrna and I share in your sorrow and will keep y'all in our prayers. Paul
Michael nevin April 19, 2020 at 2:43 amBrenda you will be missed. Seeing you at every Titans game Over the last 15 years and getting close to you and Doug my heart truly hurts today. I will never forget how great you treated me and my family. I love you
Salli Carey April 19, 2020 at 2:47 am
Aww, beautiful Brenda! More beautiful then a movie star & even more so on the inside – truly most precious among us! We know you are always with us & shining more brilliantly then ever before
We are eternally grateful for you & look forward to seeing you again. Until then we will walk with Doug & the rest of our family, all of us who you've loved so well, with great honor. We love you �'-
"Bren" I am so blessed to have had you as a very special part of my life. Getting stuck in Newark while with KIWI brings back so many wonderful memories of sharing a room and the chocolate and popcorn that we ate to make the hours pass. You will always be my friend and my love goes out to Doug and all your family. Fly free our angel … fly free, Trish
Heather Ogburn April 22, 2020 at 6:53 pm❤️❤️❤️
Eric and Nicole Schuh April 19, 2020 at 3:45 amBrenda, we will miss you dearly. We will always cherish the wonderful stories you shared with us and all the laughs we had together. Doug you were a wonderful husband, prayers for you in the days ahead. We love you very much. Eric and Nikki
Joey Shook April 19, 2020 at 6:20 am
Brenda, your beautiful blue eyes and big warm smile would light up a room. I'm so grateful Dr. Schuh and Nicole introduced me to you and Doug. You both touched lives and gave warm hearts to us all. You will be dearly missed. Doug, praying to lift you up and let your heart heal knowing her graceful beautiful spirit and all the fun happy memories will never be forgotten.
Love you,
Joey Shook
Oh Brenda, my heart broke a little when I heard you had gained your wings. Thank you for your kindness and words of wisdom over the last 13 years,I am truly going to miss you.
Doug, what a wonderful woman she was. Sending you love and prayers, Sherrie Pruitt & Family
Brenda will truly be missed by so many! She enriched so many lives with her warm smile and caring soul. Our hearts are with you!
Phyllis Shoptaw April 19, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Dear Family,
Our love and thoughts are with all of you! Even though we have not gotten to see all of you for quite some time, we love all of you very much! Our heart is saddened by the loss of another family member in our family tree. As I look at this beautiful picture of her, I see both her mamma and her daddy in her smile, face, and eyes. It was an inspiration to read that Doug and her had been married 50 years and that she had accomplished so much. I know that these next few days, weeks, and moments will be difficult, but know that our heart, thoughts, and prayers are with all of you. Lean on each other through this difficult time and always feel free to reach out to us. We love all of you!
Phyllis Shoptaw & Family (Daughter of Joseph Terry From Indiana)
Ivan Beach April 19, 2020 at 5:02 pmI look back with fondness on our days together at Tennessee Tech and the Tennessee Tech Skydivers. Brenda, you were a live wire. Full of life, and always animated. I’m sure happy I got to see you at the Tennessee Tech Homecoming and the ROTC reunion. Rest in Peace old friend.
Diane Ditzenberger April 19, 2020 at 5:48 pmRemembering our family childhood times spent in Tennessee at your Grandparents store and the fondest memories of such special times we shared. Always loved Tennessee and said I wanted to live there. Then we grew up and lost contact for a short while…so glad we re-connected a few years ago when I moved to Tennessee and found ya’ll, we picked up right where we left off as kids! Our hearts are broken and you will be sorely missed by family you’ve left behind…Spread your wings and fly high!!! Doug, Carolyn, Steve, Audrey and Joel, May God wrap His loving arms around y’all as you go thru this trying time and know that we share your sorrow and y’all are in our thoughts and continued prayers!! Love much! Diane & Ray Ditzenberger & Family
James Mapes April 19, 2020 at 6:36 pmI receive the notice of sweet Brenda’s passing with a heavy heart and great sadness. She and Doug are special friends I’ve respected and admired since our time together at Tennessee Tech over fifty years ago. Brenda’s sweetness, grace and kindness were always a vivid part of her personality. My life has been certainly enriched by knowing her. Stay well in God’s hands sweet lady. You will always be in our hearts.
Angela April 19, 2020 at 8:57 pmAll this time I've known her she was one of the sweetest, caring , loving person I have ever met. She will forever be in our hearts. We will always miss her ❤️
David Short April 19, 2020 at 10:13 pmWe are deeply saddened by the news of Brenda’s passing. I am a former coworker of her husband Doug, who was a great friend and mentor. We visited them a few years ago and got to visit with Brenda and Doug at their home on a trip to Nashville. Brenda was so accommodating and made us feel like family for our first visit. We had such a great visit and it was an honor to have known her. Our prayers go out to Doug and the family for their comfort during these difficult times. We are looking forward to seeing her someday in heaven. God bless you Brenda, we will miss you.
Jim and Laura Terry April 19, 2020 at 11:12 pmChildhood friend and neighbor, will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers that they may have peace and comfort in the passing of such a sweet precious lady.
Pat Million April 20, 2020 at 12:35 amBrenda you will be missed. I think about our high school and college days together. In high school we decided to change our names and you picked Beni. You were always a great friend and I am glad that we got to see each other at our 50th high school reunion in 2015.
CW4 (RET) David L. Barber April 20, 2020 at 1:13 amHaving known Brenda for nearly fifty years, it saddened me to get the text about her death. Over the years I have attempted to keep in touch with her and Doug through calls, and occasionally visiting them. The time we shared in Korea in 75/76 I think about often and see in my photo album from time to time .I wish we could have communicated more, but distance and higher priorities get in the way. I truly pray that one day soon the scourge of cancer will be gone. Goodbye to a lovely lady!
Derita long April 20, 2020 at 1:43 am
Our Precious Brenda Kay. We are so saddened for our lose of another loved one. I can remember You bringing Doug home for everyone to meet him. We all fell in Love with Him alone with you. It was always great to see your Love for each other never a short word, always showed respect to one another. Thank you Doug for Loving our cousin as you did. I know she showed you in return as she also showed her love for all of us.
This world will be a different place without Her, but Her Place in the arms of JESUS is what we all lone for when it is our time.
We were always proud of Brenda and we Love Her,Doug and our Other cousins. Steve, Carolyn, Audrey, N Joel n families.
Our Prayer is that Our Dear Heavenly Father will comfort You as each day goes on.
Love Derita n Johnnie
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Brenda, I worked with her for several years and that smile and graciousness will never be forgotten. My condolences to Doug and family. The heavens have another twinkling star to shine down on us all.
Billy and Marian White April 20, 2020 at 2:47 pmDear Doug — Marian and I are heart broken at this news. We first met you at Fort Rucker over 40 years ago and it seems like just yesterday. We will forever remember Brenda fondly with that warm open smile and heart. We send our most heartfelt condolences and prayers. May God hold you and Brenda’s Family in the Palm of His Hands. God Bless in this time of mourning and may God help comfort you during these difficult hours. We send our Love — Bill and Marian
Angela Adair Ferrell April 20, 2020 at 3:25 pmMy sweet sister from another mister – heaven gained an angel like no other! I will always remember your beautiful smile and twinkling blue eyes! My thoughts and prayers are with you Doug!!!! She was loved by many and touched so many hearts!
Linda Swain April 20, 2020 at 4:21 pm
As a colleague in the FAA,, Brenda inspired all of us.. Her graciousness and caring personality was only surpassed by her intelligence and abilities. She was a true marvel of a person that we all will miss. We are all better by using Brenda as an example in our lives.. Our hearts go out to her family..
Swain
. .
Nathaniel Lomax April 20, 2020 at 5:28 pmI first met Brenda at Eastern Airlines. As a young inexperienced flight attendant, when I flew with Brenda, I always felt safe and knew everything was going to be alright. She had a presence that was calming, unpretentious, kind, loving and caring. At that time, she had a love for roller coasters and rides that would drop you from the sky. She told me she and Doug use to go sky diving and she loved the feeling of free falling. Although she tried, on layovers she could never get me to go on those rides! Throughout the years, we kept in touch off and on for long stretches. She hired me at Kiwi Airlines and years later I hired her at UPS Airlines as my Manager of Training. We had a great working friendship based on respect, love and absolute trust. Brenda was organized and kept me moving forward during the difficult times. The things I love about Brenda; she had incredible vision, compassion and always fought for what she thought was right and always showed compassion for the underdog. If you needed her help, she was there for you 100%. When we worked on projects, in our down time, she would talk about Doug. I always wondered how they could have such a strong relationship given their travel schedules. She would tell me she knew Doug was her soul mate. No matter where they were in the world they were connected. She would also talk about how his mother raised an incredible man – and always thanked his mother for that! At the FAA, Brenda did amazing work, and when it was time to leave she left with a smile. Even though we were not in contact very much after her retirement, I always knew she was there, and when we did talk, as usual, it was as if we had just talked the day before.
I pray people will not only remember her for her personality, but also realize that throughout Brenda’s career and life, she touched and had a great impact on so many people’s lives. She believed in the advancement of women and gave thousands of people their start in aviation; it changed their lives and gave them a career they may have never had, including mine. Through her training of flight attendants, writing training programs and her work at the FAA, she also had a direct impact on aviation safety in America. I can’t tell you the amount of flight attendant materials I have reviewed over the years that contained procedures created by Brenda. Although I will now carry Brenda in my heart, I am so honored to have stood in her beautiful light.
Crystal Aherne April 20, 2020 at 5:29 pmI worked with Brenda and she was one of the most “full of life” individuals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. She made everything FUN, even work. We spent a lot of time traveling and teaching together. She had a great attitude and was a friendly and positive influence even when we had tough messages to deliver – changes to how we do our jobs. I take comfort knowing she is forever smiling down on us from heaven. My sincere condolences to her family for their loss. Rest in peace Brenda.
Robert L. Kirksey, Sr. and Maria Karp April 20, 2020 at 8:19 pmWe are honored and blessed to have known Brenda. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Our most heartfelt condolences. Bob and Maria
Doug and Judi Palmer April 21, 2020 at 12:29 pmBrenda and I worked together at Eastern and the FAA. She was compassionate and lovely. She brought joy to those that worked with her and knew her. Godspeed Brenda! To her family so very sorry for your loss.
Donell Pollard April 21, 2020 at 12:52 pmI am so sorry to hear about the passing of Brenda. My first memories of her are when she was an Eastern Airlines union safety representative and attended a FAA-CAMI cabin safety workshop. She was impressive because of her intellectual interest in cabin safety. I followed her career for many years and was always impressed with the fact that this unique interest in cabin safety and her good humor persisted. I was so pleased when she joined to ranks of the FAA. She certainly is a credit to Aviation Safety, the FAA and to herself.
Ed Aviles April 21, 2020 at 1:44 pmI was heartbroken to hear of Brenda's passing. We haven't stayed in touch over the year I'm sorry to say. Having said this, I have always kept her in a special place in my memory. Having her on my team, was a great experience. She touched my heart with every word she uttered. I will miss her dearly. A beautiful person that the world will miss.
Beverly delMoral April 21, 2020 at 8:30 pmI had the pleasure of knowing Brenda in Washington, D.C. when flying for Eastern Airlines in the early seventies. She had so much passion for her job and enjoyed every aspect, especially being with all the flight attendants of whom she had many friends! She was the sweetest person and would do anything for you. It is my loss that I didn’t get to stay in touch with her.I wish all the Best to Doug and her family and all her close friends who will certainly miss this beautiful person.
Pedro Rodriguez April 21, 2020 at 11:11 pmBrenda, Sally and I. The three amigos. I will alway love Brenda. Yes, for the obvious reason to anyone that knew her. But also for the way she invested in me to help and mentor me. We worked looong hours but she always had something funny or encouraging to say. And what about her and the color purple? Just thinking back it makes me smile. Brenda may the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make his face shine upon you. I will alway love and miss you. But I find confort in the blessing that knowing you is. Rest In Peace my friend. i will miss you.
Penny Banks April 22, 2020 at 3:04 amBrenda’s caring heart embraced all who were honored to meet this bright light of a lady. Blessings & care.
Katie Springer April 22, 2020 at 4:02 amI, too, was an FAA colleague of Brenda. Although I did not work directly with her, I worked with many who have and they marveled at her joy in the job. It is wonderful to know that not only did she advance aviation safety in her life and career, but also the joy and enthusiasm that she brought to the Agency and the rest of her comrades. I feel that it would be difficult to measure what we, the industry, and especially her family have lost. However, I suspect that heaven has had a great gain by her arrival! Rest in Peace Ms. Brenda. You're safe now.❣️
Che Stephens April 28, 2020 at 12:45 amI recall Brenda from the days at Eastern airlines in Washington DC and as a silver liner. Her sweet spirit and wonderful knowledge of procedures and thoughtfulness will be missed
Heather Ogburn April 22, 2020 at 6:30 pmI had the privilege of working with Brenda at KIWI and the FAA. She was one of my favorite people. We could talk for hours about anything and everything. When I had an important decision to make she was one of the first people I would call for advice. She was a wise and beautiful lady and I am so grateful she was in my life. Love you Brenda. I hope the KIWIs that have passed were there to welcome you home.
Becky Tomlinson April 22, 2020 at 11:18 pmMy sincere condolences to Doug, Brenda’s family and many friends.She was definitely a very special person and touched so many lives. You are free to soar with the angels.⚘
Paul Staley April 23, 2020 at 4:59 amI had the pleasure of knowing Brenda at both Eastern, Washington base, and at Kiwi. She and Debbie Smith made the flight attendant program work at Kiwi.Wonderful person. Doug and I have a common thread as we were both Army pilots. I was envious of his Army flying as he flew G-4’s. Apparently both of our careers were at Fort Bragg N.C. Sorry for your loss Doug. Thoughts are with you.
Paul Staley
Cheerie Smith (EAL FA DCA ) April 23, 2020 at 2:44 pmBrenda was a very lovely, kind lady. Pleasure to have known her.
Patricia Mattone April 27, 2020 at 4:06 pmI am heartbroken over the passing of dear Brenda. I spent many wonderful hours working with Brenda during the certification of Kiwi Airlines. She was brilliant, so intelligent, peaceful, helpful beyond words, so dedicated to doing the right thing. She made my life (at FAA) very easy because you never had to worry about Brenda taking short cuts – she was dependable, trustworthy, and very kind and compassionate. She could have run the airlines by herself and she practically did! I enjoyed our time together and always looked forward to doing surveillance at Kiwi. It was always fun and professional relationship.. I will miss you, dear Brenda, as you left too soon. I know she love her husband, Doug, very much and often spoke fondly of him. God bless you and be at peace. With Much Love, Patti Mattone
Che Stephens April 28, 2020 at 12:45 amI recall Brenda from the days at Eastern airlines in Washington DC and as a silver liner. Her sweet spirit and wonderful knowledge of procedures and thoughtfulness will be missed
Tammy Bell Merritt April 29, 2020 at 10:14 pmI knew her as Miss Terry and my second grade teacher. I hadn't had any contact with her since I was seven years old, but I thought of her fondly over the years and often wondered where life had taken her. I began working part-time in Scott County, Tennessee about four years ago, and part of my job is to develop relationships and be aware of community happenings, hence my primary reason for scanning the weekly obituaries. The words "Dalton, Georgia" stood out first, next "second grade teacher". I looked at the name again, and then I saw the picture. It was her, that beautiful face, even still after all this time. I was so surprised, and the memories of her gracefulness and kind, caring spirit filled my mind. She taught me to write in cursive, a gift I still enjoy, and I recalled her putting her arm around me and gently encouraging me to wear my newly acquired but embarrassing glasses. Then my heart ached, and I felt a little homesick for a sweeter time in my life. I wished I could tell her the things that children don't often know how to express – how special she made me feel and how much I enjoyed having her for my teacher. As I read the online messages from friends, co-workers, and family, I realized that Miss Terry's positive, influential character and loving personality were with her throughout her life. Mr. Crockett, brothers, sisters and families: Please accept my sincere sympathy for your great loss.
Warmest regards,
Tammy Bell Merritt
I will never forget my dear friend Brenda. When I met her I knew I was in the presence of an extraordinary soul. Brenda had a keen sense of inner perception, and a genuine love for people. Brenda and her dear sister Caroline attended my painting workshop. I am so privileged to have known such a great and loving soul like Brenda.Rest in the arms of the angels and of Jesus dearest Brenda. I will see you again in heaven-dearest friend.❤️ߦ˰ߙϰߘآܝ️ Love and prayers for your family who mourn your great loss.
Doug & Deb Davis May 12, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Doug & Deb
Words seem so empty when your trying to describe a friend who’s passed. We struggle to describe them and what they meant to us, but we can’t. In Brenda’s case it’s even harder, because there was so many things that made her special. We met at KIWI and became instant friends. She came up to our House in Maine for a 25th KIWI reunion, and our friendship never missed a beat. It was as if it were yesterday we were together. Smart, sensitive, caring and warm best describe our friend, and that’s why all of her KIWI flight Attendant / Sisters will never forget her, nor will we.
See Ya on the other side Toots!!
Love Ya
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