A Life Well Lived

Henrietta Crocker Newsome, affectionately known as "Penny" by her family and many dear friends, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 3, 2026, at her home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She transitioned from labor to reward, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, compassionate service, and unconditional love.

Born on March 19, 1943, in Norfolk, Virginia, Penny was the beloved youngest daughter of the late Henry Butler Crocker and Eleanor Davis Crocker. She was raised in a family deeply rooted in faith, education, and community service—values that became the foundation of her own extraordinary life.

Penny graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1960, before earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College (now Norfolk State University) in 1964. Driven by her passion for learning and excellence, she later earned a Master of Education from Old Dominion University in 1983.

For Penny, education was never simply a profession—it was her calling. After training under the vision of Sergeant Shriver at the University of Maryland in 1965, she established a Head Start Program at First Baptist Church, Lambert's Point in Norfolk, Virginia, helping provide early childhood education and opportunities for families in her community. She was recognized as the first Black Head Start teacher in the Tidewater area, a pioneering achievement that reflected both her courage and commitment to ensuring every child had the opportunity to thrive.

Throughout her career, Penny served as a Coordinator with the Southern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP), advocating for children with disabilities and supporting families through education, resources, and encouragement. Even after serious health challenges temporarily interrupted her work, her determination never faltered. Once her strength returned, she resumed her life's mission as a Resource Teacher at James Madison Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Following her move to Maryland to be closer to her daughter, she continued shaping young lives as an elementary educator in Montgomery County and Prince George's County Public Schools, faithfully serving students until her retirement.

Penny accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and faithfully lived out her Christian walk every day. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Lambert's Point in Norfolk, Virginia, where she joyfully sang in the choir and served for more than forty years. After relocating to Maryland, she united with Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland, where she faithfully served as a Deaconess beginning March 12, 1995, a Missionary, choir member, Vacation Bible School worker, Children's Church volunteer, and member of the Prison Ministry. Her favorite Scripture, Philippians 4:13, perfectly reflected the strength and steadfast faith that carried her through every season of life.

Those who knew Penny will remember her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and generous heart. She possessed a remarkable gift for nurturing others, especially children, who were naturally drawn to her warmth and kindness. She was an encourager, an inspiration, and a faithful servant whose quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know her.

She found joy in dancing, creating beautiful floral arrangements, and wearing fabulous hats from her treasured collection. Penny loved every shade of blue, proudly rooted for the Washington Redskins, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her family. Whether celebrating life's milestones or simply sharing everyday moments, she made those around her feel deeply loved and appreciated.

While Penny's accomplishments were many, her greatest legacy is found in the countless lives she touched through her faith, her compassion, and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child she encountered. She lived with grace, served with humility, and loved without reservation.

Penny was preceded in death by her father, Henry Butler Crocker; her mother, Eleanor Davis Hardy; her beloved bonus father, Henry Nathaniel Hardy; and her cherished sisters, Irene Sears and Eleanor Crocker. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Felycya B. Waller; her beloved granddaughter, Courtney Colbert (Charles); three treasured great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, a bonus son, Kevin Adair, a bonus daughter, India Hayes, and dear friends whose lives are richer because of her love, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing she has heard the words every faithful servant longs to hear:

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Matthew 25:23

Penny's life was a testament to faith in action, love without limits, and service without expectation. She taught children not only in the classroom but through the example of her own life. She nurtured generations with wisdom, kindness, patience, and grace. Her gentle spirit, radiant smile, and enduring example will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know and love her.

Though she is no longer with us in body, the seeds she planted in faith, family, and education will continue to bloom for generations to come. Truly, hers was a life well lived.