Katherine Crooke

"We know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." - 2 Corinthians 5 On Tuesday morning May 26, 2009 God in all His Glory, with angels singing, came for his daughter to escort her home. After a brief illness Katherine better known to many as "Cabby" said her goodbyes to family and friends. "Cabby" is preceded in life by her husband Norman Julius Crooke, parents George and Elizabeth Hartridge, one son Paul L. Crooke, one grandson Wayne Norman Holmes, three siblings Elizabeth, Kenneth and George, one daughter-in-law Eva Crooke, one sister-in-law Estelle Hartridge, one brother-in-law Wilfredo "Duke" Crooke, goddaughter, Paula Knight. Katherine was a jewel to those who knew her and loved by all. She spent her life in the service to others. Katherine "Cabby" lived her formative years in South Brooklyn where she attended and graduated from Sarah J. Hale Vocational High School in June of 1943. On November 27, 1943 Katherine married the love of her life, the late Norman Julius Crooke. To this union were born three sons, Norman Douglas, Kenneth Earl, and the late Paul Lawrence Crooke. Her years were spent caring for her family, through love and dedication. If nothing else, she made sure her sons grew up with pride and respect for themselves and those they encountered. Katherine "Cabby" joined Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Timothy White during her young adult life. She was Sunday School Secretary, a member of Junior Choir, Nurses Unit, and the Virginia Club. With her daily job, "Cabby" still found time to support her children in their endeavors. She was a Brownie Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother from 1954~1964. Katherine worked as a Supervisor for Prospect IMC, H.R.A. at Jay Street, Brooklyn, New York from April 2, 1962 through March 13, 1985, when she retired. In June 1970 Katherine received her certification from New York City Community College of Applied Arts and Sciences in Beginning Conversational Spanish. Even though her sight began to fail and her movements were limited, her interest in her church activities did not wavier. On a monthly bases she received and read the programs from each service. Katherine showed support of her church through tithes and offerings until her death. Katherine leaves behind to celebrate her life two sons, Norman and Kenneth, four daughters-in-law Patricia, Evella, Shelia and Bronco, twelve grandchildren: Rhonda, Dana, Kim, Vanessa, Norman, Shawn, Kevin, Lisa, Kimberly, Donnell, Crystal and Christopher, twelve great grands, three great, great grands, two sisters-in-law Dorothy Hartridge and June Crooke, seven nieces and nephews: Fredrick (Monica), Phyllis, Major (Janice), George, Ricky (Jean), Mike and Muhammad, a few of Katherine's lifelong friends Odessa, Cynthia, Gloria, Audrey, Elaine and a host of relatives and friends.

Katherine Crooke

June 12, 1925 - May 26, 2009