Early C. Crosson's Obituary
Early Clifton Crosson left this life on Thursday, January 12, 2017, following a long illness. Early was born April 22, 1932 in Norlina, North Carolina to Early D. Crosson and Lucille Crosson. Early graduated from Warren County Training School in 1949 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for 24 years, attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Early met and married Gloria DeVoe while he was living in Philadelphia, PA. They were married for 62 years.
After retiring from the military in 1976, Early returned to college to earn a Bachelors of Sociology from Pacific Lutheran University. He would spend the next phase of his career as a probation officer in the Pierce County juvenile court system at Remann Hall. He retired from Pierce County in 1997. Early spent his retirement years enjoying several activities, including: acting in local theater productions, fishing, camping, playing cards and watching every episode of “All My Children”. He was a member of Allen AME Church, and served the church as a trustee and steward. He was active in the Lay organization and expressed that one of his greatest joys was singing with the Sons of Thunder.
Early had an influence on many. He touched the lives of the young people on his caseload, his friends, his fellow church members and most importantly, his family. Early was the patriarch of a large family. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Gloria; Children: Carla Hargrove (Charles), Earl Jr., Rick (Barbara), John (Eva), Deneen Grant (Ray), and Chris (Ashley); Grandchildren: Danielle Seward, Ajourdi Hargrove, Amena Jones, Bilal Liggins, Fajr Wilson, Clifton Crosson, DeAna Crosson, Jasmine Crosson, Joshua Crosson, Shari Crosson, Dereque Kelley; 11 Great Grandchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Our family’s journey began with Early C. Crosson, and he has guided and supported us throughout four generations.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 20th at Allen AME Church, 1223 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 98405.
The family will hold a visitation on Thursday, January 19th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lakewood.
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