Nella Edgar Crooks
Nella Edgar Crooks, 108, of Fort Valley, Georgia, died Sunday, May 30, 2010 in Perry, Georgia. Funeral services will be held at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Fort Valley at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2010.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fort Valley State University Foundation – Nella Crooks Scholarship Fund.
Born Retinella Octavia Elizabeth Edgar to Walter Edgar and Martha Barnett in Watt Town, Jamaica, she spent her early years on the island attending Westwood girls’ boarding school in St. Ann’s Bay. Later in Kingston she studied and apprenticed in Dr. Robb’s clinic and pharmacy. She migrated to the United States in 1924 where she met her husband, the late Dr. Kenneth B. M. Crooks, was married and from the union came four children.
After their ten years at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), where Dr. Crooks was employed as a biology instructor, the family relocated to Jamaica. There she spent 13 happy years as a missionary educator and wife of the headmaster of Happy Grove (a Quaker secondary boarding school). Dr. Crooks also served as the Quaker pastor of Seaside Friends Church. While on the island, she was a member of the Jamaica Federation of Women and served in a variety of capacities in the Religious Society of Friends, raising funds for the school during her trips to the mainland.
The couple returned to the U.S. in 1957 where she became a resident manager and her husband a biology teacher at what is now Fort Valley State University. She delighted in serving tea in her home to friends and guests, which included many national and international dignitaries, one of whom was the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Crooks moved to Grambling College in Louisiana where she earned her Bachelor’s degree while serving as a resident manager on that campus. After her husband’s untimely death in 1959 she returned to Fort Valley. There she continued her education and earned a Master’s degree in counseling while on the faculty at the college (and at age 64!). After her retirement in 1970 she wrote and published several books including a travel diary, her husband’s biography, her autobiography and two books of poetry.
During her lifetime in the college communities where she lived, she was an active member in the Episcopal church, an original organizer of a local YWCA, and a member of her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She continued her community service by starting a reading club for children and working with a local senior citizens’ organization.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Cynthia Carpenter, Kenneth Crooks and Mary G. Walker-Crooks, Sylvia and Heinz Werner Wunderlich, Nella Jenkins; grandchildren, Jan Carpenter Tucker and Vernon Tucker, Jeffery and Sumita Carpenter; Kenneth Crooks III, Shelly and Steven Michael; Stefan Wunderlich, Susan and Terrance Hinton; Ade Aboussena Pious and Lorenzo Paul Pious; great grandchildren, Naima Tucker; Jason, Surekha and Jai Carpenter; Langston and Justice Michael; Louis Wunderlich; Kyan and Zion Pious; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
For information, contact:
Nella Jenkins
(478) 825-3203
29 Messages in the Guest BookGuest Book
29 Messages
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Nella Crooks was a wonderful, amazing woman. Her life of devotion to family, community, education, and God should serve as an inspiration to all. May her memory be a comfort and blessing to her family.
Deepest sympathy from Janis Mikofsky, Allentown, PA
God blessed us to have such a dear grandmother for so long in our family. We will miss Oma but the memories of growing up with her every summer in Fort Valley will be cherished forever. She will always be my inspiration.
Shelly Crooks Michael
As a Christian, I rejoice when another Christian transitions. This is not her last sleep. It is her final awakening! Sister Nella lived for her God first and then her family. I know God is smiling and celebrating this life — feeling proud to welcome his child home.
While letting go of our loved ones is sometimes difficult. Having lost a mother, I found comfort when I focused on being thankful for her memories, the rich life that she lived, her contributions to her family and community, and finally freedom from the entrapment of a tired earthly vessel.
So to the Crook family, rejoice! This Queen was tired and ready to go home. Cherish the wonderful memories and continue to build her rich legacy.
Shirley Boykin
Atlanta, Ga
I only met Oma a few times, but each time was memorable and blessed with her wonderful words of wisdom. We can all rejoice in the long and fulfilling life that she lived. Godspeed on your journey, Oma…our loss is Heaven’s gain.
We wish to extend deepest sympathy to all of the family of Nella Crooks. We knew her only through communication with her devoted son Ken Crooks of Columbus, but we feel that in that way we had the privilege of acquaintance with a remarkable woman, of whom her family is justly proud. No matter how long a loved one lives, parting brings great sadness. May the family of Nella Crooks find comfort in one another and in precious memories of her long and well-lived life.
Ed & Sidney Wilson, Columbus, Georgia
Dear Family,
I am so very sorry about the loss of year dear loved one. May the thought at Job 33:25 give you comfort in knowing that Mrs. Crooks will return to the days of her youth and be able to enjoy life without the infirmities of old age. My sincere condolences to you.
I want to say something profound. I didn’t personally know Mrs. Crooks, but if God was blessed to have hered her to do his work for 108 years then God bless us all.
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs.Crooks. As a past student of Happy Grove, the name “Crooks” will always be remembered for the invaluable contributions of Dr. and Mrs. Crooks to my beloved Alma Mater. Words can not express how grateful I am to the Crooks family for “sowing” the seeds on which I “thrived” to achieve a solid education at Happy Grove.
My heart goes out to the Crooks family on their loss, an I hope that God will continue to guide them and bless them not only in these difficult times, but forever.
Maurice Mason
My deepest sympathy to your family at this time.
It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to sign this guest book for Mrs Crooks.
It is a great privilege to have an opportunity to sign this guest book for Mrs Crooks.
Mrs. Nella Crooks was a spunky lady who displayed all the attributes of a lady (gloves and all). It was a pleasure to have known her. May she rest in peace and the family remember the good times spent with her. Be
comforted by the words found in the words of Wisdom.
Ken & family
May the beautiful memories of your mom comfort you in this your time of grief.
Her sense of purpose and devotion to community will forever be remembered.
Pat Hunter
Alumna – Happy Grove School
It is truly a blessing to have lived for 108 years, a milestone reserved for very few. Mrs Crooks can be counted as an exceptional person to have occupied a special place on this earth.
To the Crooks family, as you grieve your loss, take comfort and strength from the happy memories you have of her, from the exemplary life she lived.
Although I was not a student at Happy Grove under the administration of Dr. Kenneth Crooks, the Crooks family has earned its pride of place in the History of Happy Grove.
May her memory live on!
My deepest sympathy to the Crooks family. May you find comfort in her memories. She as done good for my Alma Mater and I thank her for the footprints she left behind. May the good Lord continue to bless the family.
The Happy Grove High School Alumni Association New York Chapter Inc. wishes to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear mother. May her soul rest in peace.
Marzy Chance
I did not know Mrs. Crooks in person, but as a past Happy Grove student I have heard so much about her and her late husband Dr. Crooks and their contribution to my school that I feel a part of them.
My her soul rest in peace.
To Ken Crooks and Family:
We pray your strength in the Lord during your period of bereavement.
Membership of Fourth Street Baptist Church
Kenneth Crooks and Family,
Just to express our love and sympathy during your time of bereavement.
Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes and Family
Although not meeting Dr & Mrs Crooks in person the trail they have blazed at Happy Grove (my alma mater)has left an indellible impression and standard for us.
May God wrap you in His bosom and grant you comfort at this time.
As a past student of Happy Grove, I have heard so many good things about Mr & Mrs Crooks of course I was named after Mrs Crooks by my Grandmother the late Mrs May Fuller. I offer my condolences to your family God bless you all.
Kenneth and Nella Crooks were invaluable contributors to the development of Happy Grove High School in Jamaica. Thus they have had an idelible effect on my life as they had on others who have passed through Happy Grove.
My sincere condolences to the family and thanks to God for their lives.
Errol Johnson (Happy Grove 1959-63)
During my tenure as a past student of Happy Grove I am reminded daily of the great service and dedication Dr & Mrs Crooks gave not only to the school but also the community. My condolences and God’s blessings to the family.
Ken & Family:
Our family is saddened by the passing of our dear friend and mother(Oma), Mrs. Nella Crooks. We regret missing that moment of celebrating her life with the family, but you are all in our prayers. Oma was once our neighbor in Fort Valley and she was especially fond of our daughter, Linda. She shared with her inspirational stories of her life, and taught her life skills important for young ladies.
What a great teacher Oma was! What a God loving mother and mentor she was to all of us. We shall cherish memories of your 107th birthday, and the gift of your book that is full of sweet memories.
May God Rest Oma’s Soul in Eaternal Peace.
Florence W. Studstill & family.
I am a past Grovian and I am confident the Crooks name will continue to live on. To the Crooks family, sorry for your loss.
To The Family: Thinking of you today with deep, and sincere sympathy. Sorry we did not meet the whole family. Regards to all from Cynthia, and Heather.
Jacksonville, Florida.
She was a jolly good fellow who lived a rich and full life. Mrs. Crooks was a very gentle, gracious and unassuming lady who always saw the cup half full. She cherished the great memories and impact her late husband left on the lives of so many Happy Grovians who have made and continue to make their mark in the world.
She loved hearing from them and having them visit her.
To: The Family… You are in my thoughts.
Dulcie Lindsay Bishop……Columbia, S.Carolina.
Kenneth Crooks and Family,
Your mother lived a long fruitful and successful life. We are thankful to God for her long life. We just want you to know that you are in our prayers.
ONE COLUMBUS
Rev. J. H. Flakes, Jr. Founder and Chair
Lee Brantley, Co-Chair
Mrs. Crooks was a wonderful human being whom we should all emulate as she lived a fruitful and fulfilled life.
To the family: My sincere condolence and you are all to be thanked for the care given to her.