Kelly Anne Crockett, 61, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at home after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 22, 1962, in Delaware County, Pa., to Helen and the late John J. Crockett Sr.

Kelly graduated from Elkton High School in 1980. During her time in high school, she played volleyball and fast-pitch softball for Little League. Kelly learned how to fast-pitch from her father. Kelly enjoyed being on the cheerleading squad and in her senior year, Kelly was the Homecoming Queen. She furthered her education at Towson State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in 1984 and a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology in 1986. Kelly was involved with intramural sports during her time at Towson.

Kelly was the first Speech Pathologist at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. She pioneered the development of the speech pathology service in conjunction with several physicians. Kelly then provided highly recognized professional support to the medical staff and Beebe’s patients. Later in her career, Kelly also provided much-needed speech pathology services to several local nursing homes.

Kelly enjoyed designing, planting, and maintaining incredibly beautiful flower gardens and pots. An animal lover over the years, she had two springer spaniels (Buster and Lily), a rescue dog (Sophie), a black lab (Alamo) and a pug (Ruby). In addition, Kelly had two cats (Puss and Batman) and a bare-eyed cockatoo (Opal, named after Kelly’s birthstone).

Kelly was an exercise enthusiast. She enjoyed walking on the trails and in the park at an aggressive pace of 4 mph. In the summer, Kelly insisted on cutting the grass in the yard to get her exercise. She had a gym membership, where she enjoyed her regular workouts, but even more, she loved the many friends she made at the gym. They frequently enjoyed dinner, conversation, and cocktails together. Kelly and Jim loved boating and fishing together. Her prize fish was a tuna caught at the Canyons.

Kelly was predeceased by her father, John J. Crockett Sr. 

Kelly is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, James W. Bartle of Lewes; her mother, Helen Crockett of Bluffton, S.C., her two brothers, John J. Crockett Jr. (Sooji) and Matthew Crockett, both of Lewes; her nephew, David; and her nieces, Debbie and Dana.

Kelly has a wealth of loving friends whose lives remain enriched by her friendship and kindness, and a legacy for which we should all strive. To say Kelly will be missed is an understatement.  Kelly's ashes will be scattered on Assawoman Bay in Maryland on a good fishing day.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends and family may visit beginning at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow at 3 p.m.

Sign Kelly's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.