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
by khurst2@gmail.com | May 2, 2023 | Memoriam, News
Friday, April 28, 2023 – With heavy hearts, we report the passing of long-time NNOA supporter and friend Lieutenant General Vincent Raymond Stewart, USMC. He served as Deputy Commander at United States Cyber Command. He previously served as the 20th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). LtGen Stewart, who held that post from January 23, 2015 through October 3, 2017, was the first African American, Jamaican American, and Marine to be Director of the DIA.
He is survived by his wife, (Phyllis), five children (Vincent, Robert, Nicole, Jennifer, and Patrick), and 15 grandchildren in order of age (Rashid, Usamah, Khattab, Ahlam, Saidah, Salahideen, Harrison, Terrell, Lily, Uriah, Sumaya, Veda, Lyric, Shahadah, and Sakina), as well his sisters and brothers (Vinette, Paulette, Gaila, and Charmaine) and son and daughter in law (Kyle and Noor).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
909 N. Washington Street., Suite 400,
Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
Donations Link: Give in Memory of LtGen Vincent Stewart
by khurst2@gmail.com | Apr 13, 2023 | Memoriam, News
It is with saddened hearts that we report the passing of Margie Iola Griffin, the mother of longtime NNOA / DCNNOA member CAPT (Ret) Anthony (Tony) Swain, USN, on April 5, 2023 at the age of 84. She was known as a loving and devoted mother by her children, Captain Anthony Swain, USN, (Ret) (Dr. Joy); Gwendolyn Swain Allen; Marvin Swain (Kim); and Tracy Swain (Anisa). Her grandchildren are Dr. Trevon Swain (Tiffani), Amber Swain, Tracy Swain (Sameal), Christopher Swain, Allejah Swain, Miya Allen, and Kai Allen. She is also survived by her 5 great grandchildren, five siblings, two aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She also is survived by five siblings, two aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Viewing Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Mitchell Funeral Care and Creation
609 Hull Drive
Elizabeth City, NC
Celebration of Life, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 11:30 a.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, COCGIC
118 N. Carolina Hwy 343 S.
Camden, NC
In lieu of Flowers, the family is requesting donations to Margie & Calvin Griffin Endowed Scholarship,Link: https://vikingsforward.ecsu.edu/project/29724/donate?des_id=390197
by khurst2@gmail.com | Nov 29, 2022 | Memoriam, News
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of former NNOA president, Captain Harold R. (Bob) Wise on November 20, 2022.
During his 30 plus year career in both active and reserve duty assignments, he served in several leadership positions including Commanding Officer, Auxiliary Floating Drydock Medium 104, Trenton, NJ; Assistant Programs Officer, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Four, Philadelphia, PA.; Plans Officer, CINCEASTLANT 108, Atlanta, GA; Communications Officer, SACLANT Det. 205, Buffalo, NY; Director of Training, Naval Reserve Center, Buffalo, NY; Management Information and Retention Officer, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Eight, Jacksonville, FL.; Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Voluntary Training Unit 0801, Atlanta, GA; Assistant Inspector General and Assistant Director of Plans for Readiness, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Eight, Jacksonville, FL.; Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Readiness Unit “C”, Atlanta, GA; Director of Selected Reserve Training, Naval Reserve Readiness Center, Atlanta, GA; and Explosives Safety Inspector, Naval Ordnance Center, Indian Head Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC.
Captain Wise attended the Naval War College, served as a member of the Secretary of the Navy’s National Naval Reserve Policy Board for three years, served on the Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Eight, Jacksonville, FL’s Reserve Policy Board for three years, completed the Reserve Components National Security Course presented by the National Defense University, attended the Armed Forces Staff College, attended the Naval War College War Gaming course and served on several Navy Reserve Officer line and staff selection boards.
Captain Wise was awarded the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy “E”, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Expert Rifle Medal, the Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon, and Command Ashore Pin.
