Beatrice Croom, 92, of Portsmouth, VA was gently ushered into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Beatrice was born to the late Elijah and Rebecca Hughes on February 5, 1929. She was one of ten children. Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband James Croom; sisters, Alverta Hunter, and Gladys Northan; brothers, Willie, John, James, Cleveland, Harrell, and Charlie Hughes.
Beatrice married her husband, James Croom, a few years after moving to Norfolk. They had a daughter, Deborah, and a few years later they welcomed her niece, Lillian, soon after she lost both of her parents. As far as they were concerned, their family was now complete. During this time, they owned and operated a business which Beatrice managed in Norfolk, VA.
In 1966, the family moved to Portsmouth where Beatrice joined Third Baptist Church. She served as a member of the Ladies Usher Board, and was a faithful supporter of the church under the pastorage of Dr. Clayton H. Jordan, and later Joseph B. Fleming.
In her retirement years she helped raise her grandson, Jimmy; who was her heart. Then later, she helped raise her grandson, Adrian and also babysat for her great grandson, Keyon. Though she never had a chance to really get to know her great- granddaughter Kiara, she was so proud of the beautiful young women she is turning out to be.
Beatrice was a loving and devoted wife, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Deborah V. Dunham of Goldsboro, NC; her special niece whom she loved as her own, Lillian Coppedge of Virginia Beach, VA; her grandson “Jimmy” James C. Parks III and his wife, Hayley Parks of Seattle, WA, along with her great-grandchildren, Adrian C. Parks, Keyon J. Parks and Kiara S. Parks. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.
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Leigh M. Burton, Sr. says
March 10, 2021 at 5:26 pmMay Her Daughter, Grand Son and great Grand Children be comforted in knowing that cousin Bea has fought a good fight and has kept the faith and is now resting in the arms of Jesus. God promised Us three score years and ten and if by reasonable strength They maybe four score. He gave Cousin Bea four score. Thank You Jesus for allowing Her to be with us. My mother Lona c. Burton sends her Condolences also.
Patricia Hughes Dobbin says
March 12, 2021 at 2:28 pmOrlando and I are praying for you Debbie. We will all miss ❤Aunt Bea.
James Parks says
March 12, 2021 at 3:51 pmI love you so much Grandma. You will be greatly missed. We will see each other again.
James & Brenda Pool says
March 14, 2021 at 3:03 pmDebra, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Bea. She is our last Aunt on the Hughes side. We are so thankful for the life she lived and God blessed her with longevity. We will miss her and will always cherish her memories.
Roselyn Williams says
March 14, 2021 at 4:55 pmRoselyn Williams and the Hughes Family in Maryland
To: Debbie and family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother, Aunt Bea. We are sending you healing prayers and a big hug. The gift of love is more than a feeling that comes and goes, it’s deep affection that grows and grows. May this gift of love be with you always.
Adrian Hughes says
March 15, 2021 at 12:48 amMy last Aunt on my father’s side of the family. Aunt Bea was a sweetheart She was one of my favorite Aunts. I love you Auntie
Retta Hughes Clemons says
March 15, 2021 at 12:38 pmAunt Bea was so loved by my Dad, Charlie. . . I think she was his favorite sister. I love her too; I always admired her beauty and her feisty spirit. She was a true women’s advocate and gave her voice from the women’s point of view within our family–standing up and speaking out. Debbie, I loved the times you spent visiting and playing in the country fields and small wooden area beside Uncle Cleveland’s when we were little. I’ll maybe always remember the time we decided to swing from our bathroom shower rod only to see it fall. When my dad, your Uncle Charlie, asked us who broke it, you readily spoke up and told the truth “that we were swinging from it and it broke.” Dad praised you for telling the truth. That’s something I observed and have not forgotten in all of these 55+ years since then. You obviously learned well from Aunt Bea and your Dad–wonderful traits and character that she passed on and will always be with you and us. . . her dear family members. I pray that grace and contentment and peace will abundantly fill you during this time of mourning.