Eleanor Alene Crocker

To God be the glory for the things He has done!

Eleanor Alene Crocker peacefully transitioned into eternal rest with the Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

†

Affectionately known as "Sissy" to her family, Eleanor Alene Crocker was born on July 14, 1939, in Norfolk, VA, to the late Eleanor D. Crocker and Henry Butler Crocker. She was the second of three daughters. Eleanor accepted Christ at an early age where she became a member of First Baptist Church, Lamberts Point, Norfolk, VA. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School (1956) and went on to earn her BA degree from Norfolk Division of Virginia State (now Norfolk State; 1960). Eleanor began her career as a history teacher and pursued a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1973).

Eleanor relocated to Gaithersburg, MD, after accepting a position at the Dept. of Health and Human Services, U.S. Public Health Services Commissioned Corps. She was commissioned as a Commander, a title she held with honor, and had a career as a Program Analyst in the Medical Division (1978), retiring in 2001. She was affiliated with the Black Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service, a lifetime member of the NAACP, and a member of the Magnificent Nine Social Club until it was officially retired.

While living in Maryland, Eleanor was later joined by her mother (Eleanor Hardy), sister (Henrietta "Penny" Newsome), and her niece (Felycya Waller). She developed many close friendships that
became like family and was an active and devoted member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville, MD. There, she served faithfully as a Deacon (since 1997), Trustee, Veteran's Ministry, the
Women's Ministry, Sunday School, Seasoned Saints, and the Chancellor Choir. She had the most beautiful singing soprano voice – a gift that she used often to express her gratitude unto the Lord. She was known for her strong faith, testifying of the goodness of the Lord and her love for Christ resonated with all who knew her.

Eleanor had a deep love for adventure and was always eager to travel, most notably, China, South Africa, the Caribbean islands, and Alaska. She also attended many out-of-state graduations and took great joy in celebrating the accomplishments of her loved ones. A favorite trip she took was to Fiji and Australia. Traveling brought her immense happiness and she had many cherished memories. Eleanor loved the color purple, and she loved butterflies, she also loved watching football and rooting for the Cowboys. Her favorite hobbies were shopping, taking pictures (often given as gifts), attending religious conventions, and cooking. A true Marylander at heart, Eleanor adored crabs. She was always the last one at the table, savoring every bit of "essence" from the tiniest crab legs-bib on, crab mallet in hand, and a smile on her face. It was one of her simple but great pleasures. She also shared her love with many through her cooking and made the most delicious, barbecued pork feet.

An avid reader, Eleanor kept up with current events and loved sharing her passion for books. She was known for gifting meaningful titles to those she loved each with a handwritten note inside-a
personal message that made each book a treasured keepsake.

Due to illness, Eleanor moved in with her beloved niece, Felycya (later affectionately called "Mother"), who lovingly cared for her in her final years. Eleanor was preceded in death by her father
Henry Crocker, mother Eleanor Hardy, bonus father Henry Nathaniel Hardy, and her sister Irene Sears. She leaves to mourn her loss one sister Henrietta ("Penny") Newsome; one nephew Terrence Sears (Winsome), three nieces Avonda Oliver (Elmon), Felycya, and Beverly Yarborough (Alexander); nieces and nephews, a host of cousins; extended family; and countless friends. Though she had no biological children, her life was abundantly full. She would say, "my quiver is full." God blessed her with many beloved "bonus" children and grandchildren who affectionately knew her as Mom and Granny Crocker. She was fondly known as Aunt Sissy, Ellie, Ms./Sis. Crocker, Deacon Crocker, Commander Crocker, Deacon Purple, Friend, Rock, the Purple Lady who all "rose up and called her blessed. She excelled them all." Proverbs 31:28-29. She was our Angel!

Eleanor fought the good fight and was highly favored and blessed by God due to her faith, obedience, courage and wisdom-twice in hospice and through many medical battles. She often referred to herself as "the Bethesda Challenge," a title that reflected both her humor and her resilience. She was a gem, a pillar of strength and wisdom, an institution unto herself who was admired and touched countless lives. She loved joyfully, generously, and unconditionally – a godly love. And indeed, she nurtured, mentored and loved everyone, using her biblical knowledge and life experiences to encourage and equip many to live out their faith in every aspect of their lives. We're celebrating with you, Eleanor, as you are welcomed into eternal rest. Well done, good and faithful servant. We know you're resting in peace and so eternally grateful to God – Heaven was in your view, and we know you owe it ALL to Him -– to God be the glory! We love and miss you!