Karen Denise Croston
Karen Denise Croston
SUFFOLK – Karen Denise Croston went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. She served as Minister of Music of East End Baptist Church for the past 19 years. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Temple University and a Master of Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
At the age of 14, Mrs. Croston began her music ministry as director for the Youth Choir of North Providence Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa. She has also served as Music Director at the Christian Mission Fellowship Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa., Minister of Music at First Baptist Church Jeffersontown, Ky., and East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, Va. She served as organizer and director for the Jubal Arts Center; Director of Music for the Baptist Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress of Virginia (12 years); African American Consultant for Church Music and Worship for the Baptist General Association of Virginia; a writer and a Mary Kay beauty consultant. She has served on mission teams to Antigua, Jamaica, Italy, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and South Africa.
Karen Croston is survived by her husband, Dr. Mark A. Croston Sr.; two children, Candace Kamille and Mark Andrew Jr.; her father, the Rev. William A. Johnson Sr.; three sisters, Dorothy Lewis of Tampa, Fla., Marie Pleasant (Robert), of Philadelphia, Pa. and Cynthia Johnson, of Charlotte, N.C.; two brothers, William A. Johnson Jr., of Denver, Colo.; Lyndon Troy Johnson (Natalie), of Wilmington, Del., and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the East End Baptist Church, Saturday at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the East End Baptist Church Building Fund. Professional services have been entrusted to Harris Funeral Home.
Memories
Posted by MIZZBOONE (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
REV. CROSTON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. MRS. CROSTON WAS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN INSIDE AND OUT, AND WILL REALLY BE MISSED. GOD BLESS...
CHARMAINE BOONE
Posted by Heather0731 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a tremendous loss. I got to know Mrs. Croston many years ago when she brought Candace and little Mark into Dr. Lyle's office. What a beautiful and caring spirit. God obviously has bigger things in mind for her...she was already an angel here on earth. Your family is in my thoughts. ~Heather Gerni
Posted by joyced21 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev. Croston,
As a former member of East End, I have some memorable experiences about Karen. She was always smiling and inquiring about how Melanee (my daughter) was doing. I remember the excellent workshop she presented for the women's ministry one year for my current church Antioch Baptist in (Fairfax Station, VA). She was always pleasant whenever I saw her at church and would always make time to chat with me. She is now in heaven playing celestial music among the angels. May God bless you, Candance and Andrew during this difficult time.
Posted by Neenahg (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev Croston,
I'm at a loss for words. I remember when you all moved down the street from us when you first came to Suffolk. I told Mrs. Croston when you two had children that I would babysit. I also remember in choir rehearsal she would always encourage me to sing louder. Whenever I was in town and came to church, she would always make time to talk with me to see how the family was doing. Mrs. Croston was a gem and she will truly be missed by us all. God Bless you, Candace and Mark Jr.
Posted by gemini75 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev.Croston you, Candace, Mark Jr, and the entire East Family are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Croston when she played for our youth choir at Metroplitan Baptist Church some years ago when we were without a musicain. She was such a lovely person and had such a warm and sweet spirit about her. She always wore that beautiful smile. To Candace I say to you are the spitting image of your mother and just hold on to God's hand and know that your mother lives through you. Mark Jr. your mother is gone in the body but her spirit lives on and cherish her memories. To the rest of the family find peace in knowing that God has picked one of the best and I'm sure she's playing for God's wonderful choir... Kristi Johnson
Posted by marshay48 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev Croston and family, I am so sorry for your lost. Karen was special to all of us. I am blessed that God place another angel in my life. I am blessed to have had Karen my life for the 19 years. Karen has help to mold me to the woman I am today, and I thank her. The entire East End family is feeling a deep lost. My family, our family (EEBC) are in our prayers. Karen is in haven playing one of the best organs (God's Organ) She now plays for the heavenly choir. Troy tell Karen Hi! I know you were at the door welcoming her into Heven. We will see them one day.
Posted by tonyaspruill (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev. Croston and Family, I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Mrs. Croston. Mrs. Croston has and will always be an inspiration to my life. She has been a part of my life and also my children's lives for quite some time. To get to know Mrs. Croston was something wonderful, she was a jewel and I know she's in heaven playing wonderful hymnals on God's piano. Candace and Andrew you two was always deer to my heart--keep smiling and know that your mother wants nothing but the best for you.
Tonya Spruill
Posted by kiyakera (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the Croston family, you have my deepest sympathy.Karen will really be missed. Andrew and Candice remember to keep your heads up high and know that your mother wanted you to continue to do your best at everything you do. And to Dr.Mark Croston my heart goes out to you at this time. May god bless you and the Croston family. Yvonne Gray Finley
Posted by cwadley (anonymous) on November 22, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rev. Croston Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mrs. Croston was a beautiful person inside and out, She was truly a special gift from God. She always had a smile on her face and kind words to say. She will be missed.
Cynthia Wadley & Family
Posted by rich_destefano (anonymous) on December 12, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mark, My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Rich DeStefano
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