Alma Croskery

Alma “Mom/Nana” Leigh Croskery was born July 3, 1925 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Common and Clio (Boggus) Kelley. She departed this life Wednesday October 26, 2016.

Alma graduated from Dayton Dunbar High School and also attended The Ohio State University.

Along with her husband Jimmie they were the owners of Javan’s Pit Barbeque for over 40 years. They were known for having The Best Barbeque in Columbus. Many entertainers while in Columbus requested their ribs, such as The Spinners and the Commodores just to name a few.

She was a long time member of Union Grove Baptist Church and a current longtime member of Triedstone Baptist church.

Nana was very active in her Columbus community. She was one of the first founding members of The Columbus Urban League Guild. She diligently worked with the NAACP, and a member of the Belles for Mental Health. She helped organize and participated in the first March of Dimes in Columbus, Ohio. Also she was selected and awarded the King of Arts Complex and the Brotherhood of Shiloh Baptist Church, The celebration of the neighborhood 2007 African American Community favorite sons and daughter’s community service award. Grandparent volunteer for C.M.A.C.O  headstart for several years, as she was affectionately known as Nana she was a Roster Judge for the Election Polls for over 60 years.

Mom’s doors always were ajar for those who needed a place to stay. Mo matter of race or nationality she gave them housing and food as long as they needed it.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Jimmie L. Croskery; daughter Jonell Whidbee; Siblings; Dorothy Kelley, James Kelley Sr, Earl Kelley, Sheila Tyler, Ida Bell Carreker and Ronald Kelly and Iva Ruth Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory son; Eric “Edward” Lamont Thompson; daughters Rosetta (Casey) Richardson, Alondra C. Thompson, Gaynelle (Salem) Stanley and Bonita (Luther Jr.)  Hutchinson; brothers, Harold Kelley, Michael (Loraina) Kelly and Eugene (Annie) Kelly; sisters, Margaret Patricia (Bob) Chunn, Beverly Kelly and Nicola (Vincent) Peppers; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; special nephews Bobby Chunn, Juan Chambers, and Kevin Chambers. Longtime friends, Dorothy Ragland, Esther Safford and Margaret Lee,  and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

When growing up we were not allowed to say good bye. Mom insisted on so long. So good bye was final.

So we all say so long mom, nana, sister, aunt and best friend.