Wilbert E. Crockett was called home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2026.

Born on July 1, 1939, in Mashulaville, Mississippi, Wilbert was the son of the late Jesse W. Crockett Sr. and Rosie L. Holmes Crockett.

At an early age, Wilbert accepted Christ and joined the church. At the age of seventeen, he entered military service and proudly served his country.

Wilbert valued education and lifelong learning. He earned an accounting degree from Franklin University and went on to build a distinguished career in accounting and public service. Throughout his professional life, he worked in private industry, with the City of Columbus, and ultimately with the State of Ohio, from which he retired.

During his adult years, he met Dorothy Hairston Crockett. Together they lovingly adopted two children, Ashley Harris and David Crockett.

A devoted man of faith, Wilbert was a longtime member of Refuge Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher. He loved sharing God's Word and investing in the lives of others through teaching, encouragement, and fellowship.

Outside of church, Wilbert enjoyed fishing and baking. Family and friends especially looked forward to his homemade sweet potato pies and fresh dinner rolls, which became a treasured part of family gatherings and celebrations.

Wilbert will also be remembered for his caring and compassionate heart. His nieces and nephews recall how he regularly checked on family members and would often visit when someone was sick, facing challenges, or simply needed encouragement. His thoughtfulness, kindness, and willingness to show up for others reflected the love that defined his life.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse W. Crockett Sr. and Rosie L. Holmes Crockett; his stepmother, Rosie L. Robinson Crockett, who helped raise him and his siblings; his friend, Dorothy Hairston Crockett; his siblings, Jesse Crockett Jr., Jessie L. Miller, Sarah M. Carter, and James Clark; and his stepsisters, Annie Ruth Hodge and Dorothy Jean Bleavins.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Ashley Harris, and her husband, Truman Harris III; his son, David Crockett; his beloved grandchildren, Xavion, Essence, Sincere, Truman Liam, Tahlia, and Shamya; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; special relatives Unelle Walter Crockett of Jackson, Mississippi, and Bessie Coleman of Louisville, Mississippi; his special friend and brother-in-heart, Nathan of Columbus, Ohio; his childhood friend and brother-at-heart, Robert Head of Weir, Mississippi; along with many church family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by his kindness, generosity, and faith.

Though he has departed this earthly life, the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 from 9am - 10am with a Funeral Service immediately following at Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service 1370 East Main Street Columbus, Ohio 43205. Burial will process to Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.

To leave a message of condolence please visit his Tribute Page.