Orange County Insight June 2022

Remembering the Service of Janice Crockett, Former Assistant County Administrator

By: Orange County Communications Department Photography Courtesy of the Family of Mrs. Janice Crockett

Orange County mourns the loss of a long - time public servant with the passing of Janice Corbin Crockett on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Born March 7, 1937, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Mrs. Crockett began her service with the County of Orange in May 1974. She served our residents dutifully, in exemplary fashion, for more than 25 years until her retirement at the end of September 1999. Mrs. Crockett served as the Assistant County Administrator during the tenure of County Administrator Brenda Garton Bailey. The responsibilities of her position were wide - reaching, requiring a variety of skills ranging from finances, to human resources (as the Benefits and Personnel Officer), to public works - related functions like supervising building and grounds staff.

Though there are few current employees who had the pleasure of directly working with Mrs. Crockett, she is still regarded fondly, particularly among employees in the Administration and Human Resources Departments. In fact, her retirement letter made particular note that she enjoyed working with the employees, and she joked, “ Don ’ t think you are rid of me … I will stop by from time to time to catch up. ” True to her word, she continued to stop by the Administration Office on occasion. Karen Gibson, Human

Resources Specialist, recalled some of these visits. “ She just made you laugh and brightened the office [when she visited]. ” R. Mark Johnson, current Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, served his first term on the Board while Mrs. Crockett was serving in Administration. He recalled her as professional and detail - oriented. “ Janice was an institution in the Orange County offices and could always provide answers to questions regarding the county's finances. Back in the 1990s and before, the Board of Supervisors received a printout of every check written on County accounts as part of the monthly board meeting packet. A member might ask "What is this $88 paid to Byram's Sunoco?" Janice would quickly grab the proper file...and explain it was for a state inspection, a battery, and rear brakes, etc., ” remembered Mr. Johnson.

Mrs. Crocket participates in a Business and Professional Women Club event in September 1987. Pictured L to R: J. Clark, J. Kube, J. Crockett, and A. Busick.

Janice Corbin Crockett ’ s positive attitude and professional dedication to Orange County residents serves as an example for current and future Orange County employees. We appreciate her many years of excellent service.

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