Ima J. Driver

Ima Jean Driver, known to her friends as Jean and lovingly known as Sister, Mom, or Nanny by her numerous family members, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Hobbs, New Mexico, at the age of 85. She was born on March 5, 1940, in Tallulah, Louisiana, she grew up in Delhi, Louisiana, where her quick wit and playful nature first took root.

Jean's family and friends will remember her boundless sense of humor, her ability to captivate an entire room and fill it with laughter, and the countless stories she told—many of them colorful accounts of her childhood, including schoolyard scuffles in defense of her siblings.

As the maternal pillar of her family, Jean was a source of unwavering love, comfort, and strength. She had a way of making everyone feel deeply cared for, whether through a warm hug, a thoughtful word, or her steady presence during both joyful and difficult times.

Between horror movies and old country music, Jean's tastes were as eclectic as her spirit was unique. She found joy in the little things—milkshakes from Sonic, rainy afternoons, watching the news, or simply chatting on the phone. She lived with honesty, humor, and a lot of heart, and her legacy is woven into the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Lamond Bennett; her sisters Dorothy Harris, Rosemary Padilla, and Bobbie Jo Fitzgerald; her brother Calvin Bennett; her son Jackie Keith Jr.; and her son-in-law Anthony Crochet.

She is survived by her children, Judie Crochet and Ricky Keith (with wife Jodi Keith); grandchildren Ricky Ford (with wife Rebecca Ford), Krystle Roberts (with husband Joseph Roberts), and Jack Keith; and great-grandchildren Dallas Ford, Lyric Ford, Zeke Ford, and Payton Roberts. Jean's surviving siblings are Eddie Bennett, Donnie Bennett, Frank Bennett, Louise Driver, and Johnny McLemore. 

Jean is also survived by her beloved poodle and close companion Ima Angel Feebe Driver.