Frances Alene Crocker Goolsby

Frances Alene Crocker Goolsby passed away in sleep at her Lillington home Monday, February 24, 2025.

Born April 8, 1944 on a Johnston County, North Carolina farm in the Thanksgiving Church area to Ivey Clifford Crocker and Mamie Delia Creech, Alene shared childhood with nine siblings.

A baccalaureate graduate of East Carolina University she was also a graduate of the North Carolina Government Executives Institute.

At various times Alene made Windsor, Wilmington, Cary, Indian Beach and Lillington, NC home.

Early in her career, she was a Bertie County Social Worker; the career path led to North Carolina Medicaid, the Division of Medical Assistance, and many years as a well respected director of provider enrollment, recipient eligibility and county relations.

Awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, she was honored to have enjoyed the company of many kind, self sacrificing, compassionate and talented friends.

Blessed with two children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Alene is survived by husband Peter, siblings Lannie, Shirley, Jimmy and Tommy, daughter Anna Matthews Narron and Neal Narron, son Jon Matthews and Kelly, beloved grandchildren: Jake, Tanner, Avery, Lindsey, Luke and Lily, and step sons Alex, Tom and David.

Alene enjoyed fishing in Bogue Banks’ breaking surf; it was always great fun. As a keen gardener, she loved to “dig in the dirt”: day lilies, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, blackberries, blackberry jam, bees and honey.

A gathering in her memory will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 11am-1pm at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home, 1310 S. Main Street, Lillington, NC.

Fare thee well, Alene.

Kind thoughts and prayers are welcome. Memorials might be directed to the Harnett County Food Bank, the Alzheimer's Association or charity of your liking.

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