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Rosa Mae Craddock


Sunrise: March 30, 1939

Sunset: August 25, 2021

Rosa Mae Craddock, daughter of the late William and Narcissus Edmonds Barksdale, quickly and quietly departed this life on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at her home in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born in Ringgold, Virginia and was the second of six children. The family moved to Norfolk where she received her formal education. She accepted Christ in her early youth and sang in the Junior Choir with her sister Jacqueline at Bank Street Baptist Church. 

She was the wife of James “Melvin” Craddock, predeceased, and the mother of ten children: Keith, Angela, Natasha, Nadine, Frances, James, Jr.-“Man”, Craig, Rodney, Frederick (Carrie), and Rachel, and the grandmother of twenty-three grandchildren. Even when times were difficult, Rosa and Melvin provided for their family. Rosa knew how to be frugal and stretch a dollar. She was not one to complain but took life in stride.

Rosa was loving and kind hearted. She was easy to smile and laugh and a joy to be around. She loved people and was loved by those who knew her. Amazingly, Rosa was quick to demonstrate appreciation and acceptance of others, regardless of their life journey. She inspired and encouraged others to pursue their goals and cheered them on at every turn. Rosa did not give up on you. 

Rosa was a member of Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia and attended regularly until her health declined. She loved to worship and her love for God was evident in the frequent tears that fell from her eyes. Although homebound, Rosa always wanted to hear what “our church” was doing and was proud of how Gethsemane helped so many in the community.

In recent months, she talked more about eternity. She remarked to her sons that she was not going to be here forever; she said, “This house will shut down one day”. Today, we celebrate her life and thank God for the love and journey we shared.

Rosa was predeceased by her parents, husband, a daughter (Nadine Barksdale), a sister (Lottie Massdin), and a brother (Richard Barksdale). She is survived by three sisters: Jacqueline Pettus, Gloria Butler (Robert), and Catherine Towler (Dwight); and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.    

We bow in submission to the will of God. Rosa now has a new home over in Glory.

Viewing Wednesday, September 1, 2021 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Thursday, September 2, 2021 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 *Masks Required*

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Condolences(8)

  1. reply
    Tae Tae says

    My condolences and prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. Much love. Benite’e

  2. reply
    Craig Craddock says

    I am going to miss you mom. Always my heart

  3. reply
    Rev. Darlene Ward says

    To my Family with so much love and humble condolences. Very saddened to hear of Cousin Rosa’s passing. Please know I love you all and God’s Continued Covering upon you all.

  4. reply
    Melody Lawrence says

    My condolences to the family during this difficult time. In my thoughts and prayers,

  5. reply
    Laleta Craddock says

    Remember me with smiles not tears,
    For all the joy through all the years.
    Recall the closeness that was ours,
    A love as “sweet” as fragrant flowers.
    Don’t dwell on thoughts that cause you pain,
    We’ll see each other once again.
    I am at peace…try to believe,
    It was my time…I had to leave.
    But “what a view”, I have from here,
    I see your face, I feel you near,
    I follow you throughout the day,
    You’re not alone along the way.
    And when god calls you…you will be ,
    Right by my side…right here with me.
    Till then, I’ll wait by heaven’s door,
    We’ll be united…evermore! Thanks for having an amazing impact on your grandson James Craddock’s life , I’m so grateful for you. He love’s you so much. May you rest in heaven in God’s grace …❤️❤️❤️

  6. reply
    Calvin Craddock says

    Love you Grandma rest easy❤️

  7. reply
    Phyllis Stith says

    I offer sincere condolences to the Barksdale and Craddock families

  8. reply
    Aisha Britt’Blount says

    Sorry to hear about your loss.My condolence goes out to the Craddock and Barksdale family.May God continue to give you strength as well as comfort you during this time.Blessings!

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