Mrs. Bertha L. Crocker, 96, of Suffolk, transitioned at Sentara Obici Hospital, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018. She was a native of Nansemond County and was the daughter of the late Thad and Effie E. Lawrence. She was the widow of the late George W. Crocker Sr. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Jesse Lawrence, Calvin Lawrence and Thades Lawrence.

Mrs. Crocker was an 80-plus-year member of Poplar Run Baptist Church, where she served in the choir, Sunday School, Missionary and Pastor’s Aid.

She was educated in the Suffolk School System and was a graduate of South Carolina State College, now University. She retired from the Suffolk Public School System after 39 years. Her social affiliations included member of the Chums Club (emeritus), Zeta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Nansemond Order of Eastern Star, and the Retired Teachers Association.

Mrs. Crocker served for many years as a board member of Meals on Wheels. She also served as a poll worker at the voting precinct. Her passion as a home economics teacher was helping students that were less fortunate to be able to afford school material for her classes. She also had a love for girls’ basketball and beautification projects.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son, George W. Crocker Jr.; sister, Mary B. Bess; brother, Tommie Lawrence Sr.; sister-in-law, Irene K. Lawrence; godchildren, Elaine Green, Robert Jackson and Clinton Copeland.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2018, in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. An Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony will be from 4 to 5 p.m. She will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.