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FRANKLIN – Trustee Napoleon Crocker Sr. of Franklin, Virginia peacefully slept away Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 at the East Pavilion Nursing Home in Franklin. Napoleon, an only child was born in Franklin on Aug. 12, 1921 and raised by his mother, Mary Etta Crocker.

Upon returning from serving his country in World War II, Napoleon continued his employment at the Union Camp Corporation until he became disabled to work. He married Emily Mae (Wright) Crocker in 1949 and to that union they were blessed with five lovely children.

Napoleon accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age and recommitted his life to Christ as an adult, joining Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church. He remained a faithful and active member until approaching the age of 99 when he was no longer able to do so. He has served there in several capacities including as a trustee, trustee emeritus, vacation bible school coordinator and sexton. In his honor, the Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church established the Napoleon Crocker Scholarship.

Napoleon was a member and treasurer of the American Legion Post No. 183 for more than 35 years and later became a life member of American Legion Post No. 73. His unwavering commitment to Christ, his family, his church, his community and the American Legion will be part of his legacy. Napoleon was a wise and smart man, with so much wisdom.

Napoleon was preceded in death by his wife: Emily Crocker; three children: Eleanor Crocker, Nina Crocker Jones and Napoleon Crocker Jr. He leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory: two daughters, Joyce Coats and Patricia Hill; one son-in-law, Warren Hill; five grandchildren: Corbin Coats, Chris Coats, Patience Hill, Jasmine Jones-Lomax and Janell Jones; two great-grandchildren: Nina Jones-Lomax and Faith Jones-Lomax. 

A celebration of Trustee Crocker’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 35441 South Quay Road, Franklin with Pastor Curtis Mitchell delivering the eulogy. His final earthly resting place will be in Quantico National Cemetery scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church Napoleon Crocker Scholarship Fund.

Masks are required during all services. Service provided by the professional and caring staff of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 South Main Street, Franklin, VA. Please share your condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.