Naomi J. Crosby

Our beautiful, beloved Naomi J. Crosby went quietly into the Lord’s arms on August 4, 2022 after an extended illness. She was surrounded by her family during her peaceful transition. Through it all, she exuded bravery, love, appreciation, elegance and grace.

Mrs. Crosby was born to Joe and Evelyn James February 12, 1939 in Poplarville, Mississippi. She was the youngest of five siblings - Joe Jr., Helen, Lovell, Joelle and Moses.

Mrs. Crosby spent her formative years in the segregated South where her father toiled the land as a farmer and her mother took care of the family. She was a toddler when her father passed away.  Her mother and siblings moved to Miami, Fla.,  where they opened and operated a small restaurant.

In 1958, Mrs. Crosby graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Miami. Following graduation, her family relocated to San Francisco, California, to join her older brother who was attending college. It was there that she met the love of her life, Berry Crosby. After a whirlwind courtship, the couple eloped on March 7, 1964 to Reno, Nevada. They enjoyed 58 wonderful years together. Their union was a model of unconditional love, unwavering commitment and her husband, Berry, saying a lot of “yes dears.”

The couple had two children, Kim A. Crosby of Washington, D.C., and Berry Crosby Jr. of Kent, Washington.

Mrs. Crosby was a passionate child advocate. She worked as a librarian at the Marin City Library in Marin City, California, an office administrator at the Marin City Boys Club and as an executive assistant at the board of education in San Francisco, California.

She also attended Sacramento City College in Sacramento, California, and the College of Marin in Marin City, California.

Family was a priority for her. So at a time when many women were entering the workplace, Mrs. Crosby chose to stay home and care for her children full time. She was a constant presence at their schools and active in various parent teacher associations. In 1987, the South Central School District recognized Mrs. Crosby for her years of valuable service as a volunteer tutor. 

Her gift was making everyone laugh and feel welcomed by creating a warm, loving and inviting home for family and friends. She didn’t consider herself a cook but she truly was a master chef, often creating delicious home-cooked meals without using recipes– having remembered the meals her own mother prepared when she was a child.

She also enjoyed gardening and had a knack for growing the biggest, brightest and tastiest vegetables.

A teacher at heart, Mrs. Crosby had a special talent of making learning fun by creating educational games that engaged both her own children and the countless students she tutored over the years.

Mrs. Crosby was baptized on June 15, 1980 at Renton Gospel Chapel in Renton, Washington.

She leaves to celebrate her memory the following: husband Berry Crosby of Tukwila, Washington.;  daughter Kim A. Crosby of Washington, D.C.;  son Berry Crosby Jr. of Kent, Washington; grandson Berry (Caleb) Crosby;  many nieces and nephews and numerous other loved ones.

Throughout her life, friends and family lovingly referred to her as Beautiful One, Baby Sis, Nay, Queen Naomi, Sweetie, My Lady, Grandma Nay Nay and Mother.

But now God has called her home to ultimately call her His “Good and Faithful Servant.” May she rest in everlasting peace.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Naomi J. Crosby, please visit our floral store.