Sally Viola Allen Crockett

After almost 90 years, Sally Viola Allen Crockett passed from this life on March 29, 2026, while enjoying one of her favorite activities, having a little nap.

Born on August 11, 1936, Sally was the daughter of the late Owen Tillman Allen and Viola Elizabeth MacDonald Allen of Chattanooga, TN. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Sam Llewellyn “Buddy” Crockett, as well as her sister, Marion Allen Alderman, and brother-in-law, John Perry Alderman. Sally is survived by her brother, Owen Tillman Allen, Jr., daughters, Suzanne Crockett Hauschner of Massies Mill, VA, and Kathleen Crockett Archer (Shannon) of Beaufort, SC; granddaughters, Maddy and Claire Archer; grandsons, Robin Hauschner (Gabriella) and Luke Hauschner (Alex); and cherished nieces, nephews, and their spouses and children.

She was a graduate of Emory and Henry College where she earned her BA in Sociology, and then returned some 30 years later to earn a second degree in Education. Throughout her life, she held fond memories of La Rochelle, France, where she and Buddy began their marriage while he was in the Army, and Sally first began her career as a teacher. She taught in both Bristol Virginia City and Washington County Public Schools, working with all grade levels and retiring as a high school English teacher. She mentored children and teens, volunteering her time to choreograph dance and tap numbers for the Virginia High School Spring Festivals, as a director of Spring Garden Preschool, serving as a Girl Scout leader, and many other ways leaving behind a legacy of service.

Through her penchant for letter writing, she remained steadfast friends with everyone she met. Her address file box included classmates from elementary school, Chattanooga’s Central High, and college; lifelong friends who were treated as family; international exchange students; and random people she met in chance encounters. If you crossed Sally’s path or spent time in her home, you probably made the Christmas letter list.

Sally was a reader, a writer, a teacher, an activist. From Brainerd to State Street, she was a lifelong United Methodist. She filled many roles at the church, including secretary, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and preschool director, to name a few.

She was involved in countless organizations, many in an administrative capacity, including the Bristol Virginia Democratic Party, the YWCA, and the YMCA International Program.

The family wishes to thank FRIENDS of Caroline Hospice and the many friends and family members who showed their love and support throughout Sally’s lifetime.

A celebration of life service will be led by her son, Pastor Kelvin Sauls, at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at State Street United Methodist Church, 650 Valley Drive, Bristol, VA 24201. The family will receive friends after the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Emory & Henry University, PO Box 950, Emory, VA 24327, (www.emoryhenry.edu/give;) or State Street United Methodist Church, 650 Valley Dr., Bristol, VA 24201, (statestreetumc.com.)