by khurst2@gmail.com | Aug 1, 2024 | Memoriam, News
Services
VISITATION
Friday
September 6, 2024
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Northeastern Presbyterian Church
2112 Varnum Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20018
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Friday
September 6, 2024
10:00 AM
Northeastern Presbyterian Church
2112 Varnum Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20018
INTERMENT FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday
September 6, 2024
Quantico National Cemetery
18424 Joplin Road
Triangle, VA 22172
Flowers can be sent to: In Memory of Charles W. Hargrave
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of NNOA member and past historian, Captain Charles W. Hargrave.
Captain Hargrave, affectionately known as “C.W.,” passed away peacefully at home in Southwest Washington, DC, on Friday morning, July 5, 2024, at the age of 95.
Born in Dandridge, Tennessee, Charles was the only son of Lectia Snapp Hargrave and Reverend Walter Clarence Hargrave. He completed high school at Swift Memorial College, where his father served as president from 1936 to 1941. His experiences at Swift, a historically black college, profoundly shaped his commitment to higher education for black Americans and his lifelong support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Charles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in 1949, where he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Rho Chapter) in 1946. He later obtained a master’s degree in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
A dedicated alumnus, Charles served as President of the JCSU DC Alumni Chapter and held various positions in the JCSU National Alumni Association, including 1st Vice President, Treasurer, and Chaplain. He remained a steadfast supporter of the Golden Bulls, attending graduations, homecomings, and sporting events throughout his life.
Charles’s life was marked by leadership and community service, inspired by his parents and educational experiences. He served honorably in the U.S. Military, including a role as Health Physicist at the Army Chemical Center and as Commanding Officer.
Charles William Hargrave’s legacy of dedication to education, community service, and leadership will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Mar 3, 2024 | Memoriam, News
June 27, 1949 – February 27, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Loretta Ann Penn, beloved wife of The Honorable B.J. “Buddie” Penn, the 10th President of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA). Loretta passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024, at her home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 74 years old.
Loretta was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She married Buddie, the love of her life, on June 25, 1987, in San Diego, California, and they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage. They were true partners in life and supported each other in their personal and professional endeavors. Loretta was a proud and supportive spouse of Buddie’s service in the U.S. Navy and his leadership in the NNOA. She was also a dedicated and involved member of the NNOA Spouses Organization, serving as the National President for two terms.
Loretta is survived by her loving husband Buddie, stepdaughter Emily Grooms (Bruce), stepsons Brian and Eric, grandsons Geoffery and Jared Grooms, Aunt Lena Sparks, and devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church at 6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega ceremony will be held at 9:30 am, the viewing will begin at 10:00 am, and the service will follow at 11:00 am. A repass will immediately follow the service. The service will be live streamed at http://antioch-church.org/streaming-access.
A final service and interment will take place in Dallas, Texas on March 15, 2024, where Loretta will be eternally rejoined with her parents at Laurel Land Memorial Park, 6300 S R L Thornton, Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75232. The viewing will be held at 9:00 am, the service will begin at 10:00 am with the interment immediately following the service.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loretta Ann Medlock Penn please visit our Tribute Store.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Mar 3, 2024 | Memoriam, News
1931 – 2024
The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) mourns the passing of one of our founders, Lieutenant Commander Richard C. West, USN (Ret).
LCDR West, born in Hobart, Oklahoma, served with distinction in the Army Reserves and Navy during the Korean War. He faced adversity with courage and emerged as a trailblazer, becoming the fifth African American Naval Aviator in 1956.
His distinguished career spanned eleven aircraft types and numerous deployments. He later served as a mentor and advocate for aspiring Naval Officers through the NNOA and various community organizations.
LCDR West is survived by his wife, Pacita, and daughters, Carolyn and Martha.
A viewing for Navy Lieutenant Commander Pilot Richard will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at New Hope Friendship Baptist Church, 2205 Harrison Ave., San Diego, CA 92113, followed by a celebration of life from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Navy Lieutenant Commander Richard will be laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Jan 7, 2024 | Memoriam, News
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Alma Bernice Clark Gravely, devoted wife of the late Retired Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr.
Born on December 11, 1921, Alma led a life of ultimate grace and unwavering support alongside her husband, Admiral Gravely, the first African American Admiral in the United States Navy. Together, they raised three children, Robert, David, and Tracey, instilling in them the values of service, resilience, and love.
Alma’s kindness, sharp wit and tremendous strength touched countless lives. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast dedication to family, and commitment to her community. Alma was an iconic Navy Wife.
Alma Bernice Clark Gravely leaves a legacy of love, service, and strength.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Olive Branch Baptist Church, 4203 Mountain Rd., Haymarket, VA, 20169. Viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Native American Veterans Association (NAVA.ORG), which was close to Alma’s heart.
We will forever cherish her memory and the light she brought to our lives.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Sep 19, 2023 | Memoriam, Navy, News
With deep sadness, we inform you of the passing of NNOA founding member Captain Julia O. Barnes. Capt. Julia Barnes was the first black woman nurse corps officer to command a naval hospital when she took command of Naval Hospital Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1986. She was also among the visionaries who founded the National Naval Officers Association in 1972, actively supporting the Sea Services in recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse officer corps. She passed away on September 14, 2023.
Funeral Information:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Paoli Presbyterian Church
225 S. Valley Rd.
Paoli, PA 19312
Visitation: 1000
Service: 1100
by khurst2@gmail.com | Sep 13, 2023 | Civilian, Memoriam, News
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Joyce B. Cromartie, mother of NNOA Member Marco Cromartie. Joyce B. Cromartie was born in Ashville, North Carolina, on June 7, 1937. Her parents were Joe and Dorothy Bell; she was one of three and raised by her grandparents, Walter and Bula Mims. Joyce attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, from 1954 through 1957. While attending FAMU, she met and married the love of her life/college sweetheart, Eugene R. Cromartie. She is survived by four sons Geno, Leo, Marco, and Eliseo.
Visitation
SEP 16. 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (ET)
Pope Funeral Home Forestville Chapel
5538 MARLBORO PIKE
FORESTVILLE, MD 20747
Funeral Service
SEP 16. 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
Pope Funeral Home Forestville Chapel
5538 MARLBORO PIKE
FORESTVILLE, MD 20747
