Cricket Markita Denise Caldwell

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cricket Markita-Denise Caldwell (Sanders), 50, of Independence, MO. She peacefully departed on March 11, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with a brain aneurysm and its complications.

Born on October 17, 1974, Cricket was the beloved daughter of Jessie Sanders (Rountree), Barbette Ann Sanders, and Phines Sanders Sr., in Kansas City, Missouri.

After graduating from Westport High School, she pursued her passion for helping others by studying nursing with a minor in music at Avila University. She later built a fulfilling career in the medical field, dedicating seventeen years to patient advocacy services at Truman Medical Centers West.

Cricket was preceded in death by her brothers, H. Ray Allen III and Douglas Luck Taylor, as well as her cherished maternal and paternal grandparents and great-grandparents.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, cherished by her children, Darell Stephon Byrd and Korri Shontel Herring, and her beloved grandchildren, Karter Mays and Harlem Byrd. She is also survived by her devoted sisters, Carla Brooks, Drena Davis, Teresa (Remo) Williams, Shalissa (Charles) Minnenhall, and Karyn (Jeff) Kornis. Her loving brothers include Stephon (Arika) Rountree, Damon (Alisha) Brooks, Vernon (Jennifer) Rountree, Anthony (Reishan) Rountree, Phines (Lolita) Sanders Jr., and Wayne Traylor. Cricket also leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Cricket was a force of nature—bold, loving, and full of life. She had an undeniable presence, touching the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, humor, and unwavering determination. She faced life’s challenges with courage and resilience, always leading with love.

Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a mother, a role she embraced with boundless devotion.

Cricket’s light will never fade. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral Services for Cricket Caldwell will be held on Tuesday March 25, 2025, visitation will be from 9 A.M. - 10 A.M. with services beginning at 10 A.M. at Apostolic Church of Jesus Church 8310 Holmes.

Interment: Mt. Moriah Cemetery