Mildred B. Crockett

Mildred Bright Crockett, age 100, passed away peacefully at her home on May 17, 2026, with her son, Stanley, at her side. A century of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love — she was truly the definition of a Southern lady; the epitome of grace and class. Born October 1, 1925, in Tigerville, South Carolina, Mildred was the eldest of nine children born to Rev. Jonathan David Bright, Sr. and Elizabeth Puckett Bright. She spent much of her childhood in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she graduated from Cleveland High School and attended Lee College. From an early age, Mildred possessed an eye for beauty and style that would define her throughout her remarkable life. During World War II, she moved to Anniston, Alabama, where she worked as a teletype operator and met her first husband, Paul Waymon Crockett. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community in Bynum during the early years of the Anniston Army Depot. Elegant, strong, and full of life, Mildred had a deep passion for fashion and modeling that she carried with poise her entire life. Her modeling, with “Macy” Harwell, took her to the runway at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and to stages internationally. She believed in presenting oneself beautifully to the world, and she did so effortlessly — always impeccably turned out, always graceful. Her love of the arts ran deep. Mildred was a devoted volunteer at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Anniston Little Theatre, giving her time generously to the productions and communities she cherished. She was a proud patron of the Knox Concert Series since its inception, championing the performing arts in her community for decades. Mildred was a devoted member of Bynum Baptist Church and active in the Women's Club, PTA, and Scouts. She was also an active member of the AAOD Officer's Club Women's Group, where she forged lasting friendships and contributed to the social fabric of the military community. Mildred was adventurous spirit took her around the world. She and her husband, Louie, loved to travel, dance and explore, often alongside their dearest friends, Helen and Howard Goodwin — companions in adventure who shared their boundless curiosity about the world. Together, they collected memories across continents, won jitterbug competitions, and filled their lives with laughter, discovery, and friendship. She loved her family fiercely and made sure everyone who walked through her door felt loved and fed. Her cooking brought people together, and her presence made a house feel like home. Beyond the kitchen, she was known for her love of gardening, music, Alabama football, and Braves baseball. Mildred lived a full and remarkable life and left behind a legacy that few ever could. While our hearts are broken, we are beyond blessed to have had 100 incredible years with her. Heaven gained a true lady. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Carolina Bright Holloway and Rowena Bright; brothers, Jonathan David Bright, Jr., Wendell Bright, and Curtis Bright; husbands, Paul Waymon Crockett and Louie Sutherlin; and sons, Paul Edwin Crockett and Randall Curtis Crockett. She is survived by her siblings, Clytus Bright (Wanda), Lorena Bright Daniels Badgett, and Herbert Bright; children, David Waymon (Sue) Crockett, Mildred Elizabeth (Beth) Crockett, and Stanley Ellis Crockett; grandchildren, David Crockett Jr., Paige Crockett Reinhard (John), Matthew Crockett, Maggie Crockett Licher (Tim), Heather Ludecke, Nathan Crockett, Lindsey Crockett Oslin (Michael), and Eric Ludecke; and great-grandchildren, Sawyer Reinhard, Zachary Reinhard, Westin Licher, Olivia Oslin, Jonathan Oslin, Xander Ludecke Glynn, and Vivienne Ludecke Glynn. She is now reunited with her beloved Paul and Louie, her sons, and her parents. There will be a private family interment at Forestlawn Gardens cemetery beside her first husband, Paul Waymon Crockett, and sons Randall Curtis Crockett and Paul Edwin Crockett. Arrangements are being handled by Miller Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Bynum Baptist Church on 8th August. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bynum Baptist Church. P.O. Box 326 Bynum, AL 36253.

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Mildred B. Crockett

October 1, 1925 - May 17, 2026