Terry Frank Crockett

Terry F. Crockett was born on October 7, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the younger of two children of Pauline Johnson Crockett and Frank C. Crockett Jr. (both deceased). Terry was a bright, talented and disciplined student in the public school system of Philadelphia, where early on he aspired to plan, design and construct buildings and structures in the nation. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army, traveled to various countries around the world and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged from the military and returned to Philadelphia to enroll in college and follow his dream of becoming an architect. In October 1978, Terry was united in Holy Matrimony to Wanda Upsey, a loving union of devoted hearts and kindred spirits that lasted nearly 40 years until Terry's homecoming on March 8, 2015. Terry and Wanda were inseparable soul mates, with shared visions and love of family. Together, they worked to renovate their homes in Philadelphia and Florida, with Terry taking the lead in planning, designing, painting, building and assuming the broad responsibilities of comprehensively modernizing their properties. Terry graduated from Temple University, with a degree in Architecture and was licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. Terry was employed both within the public and private sectors. One of his most memorable and outstanding positions was his more than 10 years, as Philadelphia Airport Architect Planner and Project Manager on a number of key developments at both Philadelphia International Airport and the Philadelphia Housing Authority. In December 1987, Terry became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., (Mu Omega) in Philadelphia, and worked to empower community organizations and mentor students. He influenced a number of students to take the path of higher education rather than face incarceration in the juvenile justice system. Moreover, he provided pro bono architectural services to several nonprofits and churches, including Mother Bethel AME Church, Temple Gospel Baptist Church and Victory Christian Church. Later, he established his firm, Terry F. Crockett Architects, and co-founded and served as the first president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). He chaired the Diversity Committee of the Philadelphia American Institute of Architects and was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Due to his professional expertise, members of the Congressional Black Caucus requested Terry to participate on a panel during their Annual Legislative Conference to inform minority businesses and individuals on architectural opportunities and obstacles at airports. In 2004, Terry and Wanda purchased a home in South Florida, and he transferred his fraternal membership in Omega Psi Phi to Kappa Upsilon (West Palm Beach). With his intellect and organizational skills, Terry was elected Keeper of Records and Seal. He later became Chairman of the Fundraising Committee and Chairman of the Masquerade Ball. Under Terry's leadership, the Masquerade Ball became the chapter's signature event in Palm Beach County. Each year, the Ball attracts more than 300 elegantly attired guests and generates thousands of dollars for college scholarships to bright and deserving high school students, mentoring programs for youth at risk and activities to uplift the community. Moreover, Terry created a Spring Cabaret to generate additional funds to support the Fraternity's charitable programs. Due to his outstanding contributions to the Fraternity, he was awarded the chapter's Omega Man of the Year Award. Indeed, he was a beloved and treasured member of Omega Psi Phi -- by Brothers in Philadelphia and South Florida. Terry was an avid tennis player, a silky smooth dancer and a sharp dresser. He loved to travel and listen to jazz, R&B, gospel and Philly Soul. In Florida, he continued to volunteer his professional services by assisting Payne Chapel AME Church and other local organizations. Terry was a member of the Organization of Retired Omega Brothers (OROB) and a mentor of boys at Roosevelt Elementary School, West Palm Beach. Additionally, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Northside and a Builder's Club volunteer at Yeager Middle School, West Palm Beach. Throughout his life, Terry was a loving friend, who changed the lives of many people with his compassion, support, love and wisdom. He was a quiet passionate, thoughtful humanitarian, whose life was abundantly blessed. Terry touched many lives in his roles as husband, father, brother, mentor, teacher, uncle, grandfather, architect, Omega Man and friend. He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Wanda; his four children, Terri Reid, Thomas Jones, Tangela Thompson, Brian and Shanee Pressly; his sister, Claudette E. Pruett; only niece, Aleesha Pruett, three grandchildren, Stephanie Mitchell (Scott), Christopher Michael Reed, Robert Jones, and three great-grandchildren, Amani Michelle Lamb, Amir Travan Scott, Aliya Grace Reed, and a host of family members and friends. Terry F. Crockett transitioned into the light from this earthly realm on March 8, 2015 to eternal, holy peace with the Most High. May God's blessings and Holy Spirit always be with you, Terry. Lovingly submitted The Family