Kathleen A. Crockett, nee Hamilton, 62, of Belleville, IL, born February 1, 1964, in Belleville, IL, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026 at her residence in Belleville.
For many years, Kathy was a familiar and comforting presence in the school cafeteria, where she took pride in making sure every child was fed and felt welcome. Her kindness, steady work ethic, and warm smile left a lasting impression on generations of students and colleagues. Kathy will be remembered fondly by all who knew her and appreciated the quiet care she showed every day.
Kathleen “Kathy” Crockett lived a life based on love and connection. A beloved wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, niece, and friend, Kathy’s greatest accomplishment and pride was her children, Amber, Ronnie, and Grace, who were the very center of her world. Everything she did was rooted in making their lives full, joyful, and supported in every way possible.
She was a proud and devoted mother and wife who found happiness in life’s simple moments-drive-in movie nights when her children were young, endless days spent at Dorchester, and weekends at Lake Egypt with cousins, friends, or anyone lucky enough to fit into the car. Her greatest joy came from putting smiles on her children’s faces. She beamed watching Amber grow into a devoted wife to John and loving mother, never missing an opportunity to travel to Colorado or Jonesboro to see the beautiful family she created and always offering guidance when needed. She proudly cheered “Skate, Ronnie” from the stands and traveled across the country to support him as he pursued his hockey dreams. She faithfully encouraged Grace in every performance, never missing a chance to support her on stage or ensure she experienced her favorite Broadway shows. Each child shared a special and unique bond with her-one only a mother could create-and none of their accomplishments ever went unnoticed or unacknowledged.
While her love for her children was immense, nothing brought Kathy more joy than being “MawMaw” to her grandchildren, Kinley, Evelyn, and Jack. She adored spending time with them, spoiling them endlessly, and creating memories filled with laughter and love. She eagerly awaited stories of Kinley’s swim meets, loved watching Evie Kay sing her heart out, and cherished every moment of watching Jack grow.
The life and legacy Kathy leaves behind could only have been created by a true partnership. Married for 36 years, her husband Clay was the love of her life-her Fred to Wilma. Though complete opposites, their love for one another was immeasurable. It was a quiet, steady love-one where simply being in each other’s presence brought peace. After six years apart, they have now been reunited.
Everything Kathy did was done wholeheartedly. As the oldest of six siblings, she proudly embraced her role as the heart and leader of the family. If anyone had a question, a worry, or needed guidance, Kathleen was always the one to call. She supported and loved each of her siblings in her own unique way, offering strength, wisdom, and reassurance whenever it was needed. She also cherished her nieces and nephews deeply, forming individual and meaningful bonds with each one and ensuring they always felt seen, valued, and loved. Family was everything to Kathy-if you saw her, chances were she was surrounded by those she loved most. She rarely experienced joy alone; if something was special to her, she made sure those she loved were right there beside her.
Her immense love for people meant she never met a stranger. Kathy often joked that she knew everyone in Belleville-and it just might have been true. Her warm smile drew people in, and her kind, generous heart kept them there. The friendships she formed were lasting and meaningful, each one built on a deep and personal connection.
Kathy had a rare gift for making people feel truly seen, heard, and deeply loved and always made sure you knew you had someone in your corner, whether near or far. She will be dearly missed, profoundly loved, and forever remembered. The memories she created, the love she gave, and the lives she touched will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband, Clayton Crockett
- Father, James E. Hamilton
- Brother-in-law, Teddy Williams Sr.
- Dear friends, Mal and Linda Heffernan
Surviving are her:
- Children:
- Amber (John) Heffernan
- Ronnie Crockett
- Grace Crockett (Kyle Riley)
- Mother, Kathleen Hamilton, nee Foley, of Belleville, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Kinley James
- Evelyn Kay
- Jack
- Brother, Jim (Jennifer) Hamilton of Fenton, MO
- Sisters:
- Jeanne (Will) Reichling of Mascoutah, IL
- Ann Williams of Belleville, IL
- Molly (Charles) Hamilton of Belleville, IL
- Jennifer Hamilton of Belleville, IL
- Mother-In-Law: Judie Dorson of Belleville, IL
- Many nieces and nephews that she adored
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy or to Keegan’s Kause: Galactosemia Foundation.
Visitation: Visitation from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
*The family requests that you wear St. Louis Blues or Cardinals Attire to the visitation in honor of Kathy’s love of them.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at St. Augustine of Canterbury in Belleville, IL, with MSGR William McGhee officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Live Stream: Live stream can be seen on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688916442 or https://www.youtube.com/@st.augustineofcanterburyca9175/streams
