Carlotta Bernice Cromwell

Carlotta Bernice Gerald Cromwell was born on August 6, 1920 to Robert Edgar Gerald, Sr. and Rebecca Williams Gerald in Wilson, North Carolina. She attended public schools in Wilson and graduated from Darden High School. After graduating from Darden, Mother Cromwell enrolled in the Winston Salem State Teachers College where she graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Edu- cation. Her teaching career began in South Boston, VA where she was a Principal at a (one building Ne- gro school) housed with 1 st through 12th grade. After leaving South Boston, Mother Cromwell moved to Portsmouth, VA where she met a very handsome and loving man named Dileo L. Cromwell, Sr. On December 9, 1946, they were united in holy matrimony. September 11, 1951, they became the proud parents of a daughter, who they named Olliette. On July 28, 1953, they welcomed their second child, a son, who they named Dileo L. Cromwell, II. While her husband served in the United States Navy, she was hired as a schoolteacher in the Portsmouth Public School System where she served at Brighton Elementary School, Robert E. Lee Elementary School, and Douglas Park Elementary School before retiring after 32 years. In 1959, Mother Cromwell became the 1 st Lady of the Little Zion Baptist Church where she and her husband served together for 17 years. After those 17 years, they saw a need for a change, and after prayer and direction from the Lord, they, along with a few other persons who believed in 8. their vision, formed Trinity Baptist Church. In addition to being the 1st Lady and Founding Mother of Trinity, she served as President of the Deaconess Ministry, served in the choir, the Missionary Ministry and was a devout Vacation Bible School teacher. She served as the beloved 1 st Lady of Trinity until the passing of her husband. After Dr. Cromwell's passing, her son Dr. :. Dileo L. Cromwell, II along with his wife Debra became the new pastor of Trinity Baptist, which is now known as Trinity Faith Diamond. Mother Cromwell was very active outside of the church as well. She was a member of the XYZ's Club, the Chesapeake Garden Club, the Virginia Retired Teacher's Association, and the Virginia Association of Minister's Wives & Minister's Widows. “BB” as she was affectionately known,was preceded in death by her father, Robert Edgar Gerald, Sr., her mother, Rebbeca Williams Gerald, her brother, Robert Edgar Gerald, Jr., and her husband, Dr. Dileo L. Cromwell, Sr. She leaves to carry on her legacy her daughter, Olliette De- nise Cromwell Joyner (Ronnie), her son, Bishop Dileo L. Cromwell, II (Debra), her sister, Barbara Ann Gerald-Gatling, her brother-in-law, James Edward Cromwell, her five grandchildren, Elder Ronnie D. Joyner, II, Pastor Julian Leville Von Joyner (Trin'ea), Brandis Rebecca Cromwell- Carter, Megan Antoinette "Toi" Cromwell-Corprew (Antwane), Youth Pastor Dileo L. "OJ" Crom- well, III, her four great grandchildren, Jada & Janae Carter, Eli "Buddie" Cromwell Corprew, Reynah Trin'ea Joyner, a God-Daughter, Gianne "Nae" Powell, a God-Son, Bishop Kim W. Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. We would like to thank Bell's Residential Adult Care Home in Portsmouth, who cared for Mother Cromwell for a period of time, Sister Theresa Harrell Robertson, who she loved dearly and who took great care of our Mother. We would also like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their service, and Joan Jones whom she considered part of our family for opening her doors in her fi nal days. "The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation, Whom Shall I Fear. .... " Psalms 27:1

Carlotta Bernice Cromwell

August 6, 1920 - July 20, 2015