LELAND, NC—Shirley Branch Crockett passed away on September 10, 2026, in Leland, N.C. She was born on September 15, 1941, in Richmond, the daughter of William H. Branch and Dorothy S. Branch.
Shirley was the devoted wife of Edward “Ned” H. Crockett and mother to Leah C. Bradford of Wilmington, N.C., and Edward “Branch” B. Crockett, deceased. Her surviving grandchildren are Sumter Powell, Chloe Powell and Britton Harris. She also is survived by her sister, Judy Reynolds, and husband, Glen Reynolds.
Shirley led a life of giving of her time and talent to others. First, to her husband, working to put him through school; then, to her churches: Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax and then to Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock, where she served as a vestry member, chalice bearer and reader. Shirley was truly a “people person” volunteering to serve Historic Christ Church as a receptionist for many years and to fill in as needed at Grace Episcopal Church.
Shirley was educated at John Marshall High School in Richmond, followed by Averett College in Danville, where she earned an associates degree in medical secretarial studies. She worked in the medical field during her adult life in Richmond, Fairfax and Kilmarnock. She also was employed by Christchurch School as assistant to the headmaster for 10 years following her move from Fairfax County to Irvington.
Shirley had a true love for the game of bridge. She achieved the level of life master and became a director in a number of local bridge clubs.
Shirley will always be remembered by family and friends as one who loved helping others with a smile and willingness to do whatever it took to make them happy. Ironically she volunteered as a Hospice visitor and later needed Hospice to help her find peace.
Service plans are incomplete, but donations in Shirley’s name may be made to Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock, or Irvington United Methodist Church in Irvington.
