Obituary for Rosalyn Johnson Credle
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
The Obituary
On Saturday, June 20, 2020, in the late evening, Rosalyn Johnson Credle departed this mortal life. The Heavens must have claimed her, for only God could have loved her more than we.
Rosalyn, the youngest daughter of John Eddie and Rosa Belle Johnson, was born on January 27, 1931, in Ivor, Virginia. The family moved to Norfolk where she grew up and joined First Baptist Bute Street at an early age. She attended school in Norfolk and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1948. After studying at the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, she attended Virginia State College in Petersburg where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. She continued her education and earned a Master’s degree at Columbia University.
On August 14, 1953, Rosalyn was joined in holy matrimony to Bobby Lee Credle who preceded her in death. Two daughters were born to this blissful union.
Mrs. Credle began her career in Physical Education at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, and retired from Norfolk State University in 1987 after 30 years of service as professor, coach, student teacher supervisor, and program coordinator. She was known for her dedication to her field, her cooperative and generous spirit, and the calm and dependable manner in which she pursued her career. Mrs. Credle was a trailblazer in women’s athletics and performance arts. During her tenure at NSU, she organized the Norfolk State Dance Troup, started the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA), and served as the Assistant Coach of the Women’s Basketball Team. She was recognized for her excellence in teaching and supervising student teachers, many of whom maintained a relationship with her throughout the years. Mrs. Credle had a caring and gentle nature and a disposition marked by earnestness and compassion. These strengths made her an influential and profound educator who impacted the lives of many, including students, colleagues, civic leaders and community members alike.
Rosalyn had a warm and gentle spirit that was easily recognized by all. She had a welcoming personality, was always willing to help others, and never met a stranger. She was deeply devoted to her family and provided care for many family members during their time of need. Rosalyn freely shared her encouraging spirit and openness, and she was a mother to all. Her gift was listening with quiet understanding and a tender heart - the way mothers do - and she never allowed you to feel discouraged. Her joy, humor and friendliness left everyone smiling, and inspired by her presence. She often engaged with friends, students, peers and family members who would continue to seek her company, mentorship and counsel.
Rosalyn enjoyed many hobbies and was an avid sports enthusiast. She was a superior seamstress who quickly adopted new technologies, pursued classes to learn new methods and advance her craft, and she expertly designed complex high fashion and home décor items. Rosalyn closely followed professional sports, especially national basketball, and she was a big fan of Lebron James.
Rosalyn will be remembered by her family and friends for her wit and wisdom, her humor, her fortitude and guidance, and her strength of conviction. Her life left many pleasant memories – too numerous to mention, and some too tender to share.
She leaves to mourn her passing two loving daughters, Mrs. Valda C. Dixon and Ms. Janice K. Credle; a brother, J. Howard Johnson and his wife, Fraitus; three grandchildren, Rodney Brehon, Tiffany Bryant, and Krystal Brooks; three nieces; three nephews; a host of grandnieces and grandnephews; and many other relatives and dear friends.
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
The Obituary
On Saturday, June 20, 2020, in the late evening, Rosalyn Johnson Credle departed this mortal life. The Heavens must have claimed her, for only God could have loved her more than we.
Rosalyn, the youngest daughter of John Eddie and Rosa Belle Johnson, was born on January 27, 1931, in Ivor, Virginia. The family moved to Norfolk where she grew up and joined First Baptist Bute Street at an early age. She attended school in Norfolk and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1948. After studying at the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, she attended Virginia State College in Petersburg where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. She continued her education and earned a Master’s degree at Columbia University.
On August 14, 1953, Rosalyn was joined in holy matrimony to Bobby Lee Credle who preceded her in death. Two daughters were born to this blissful union.
Mrs. Credle began her career in Physical Education at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, and retired from Norfolk State University in 1987 after 30 years of service as professor, coach, student teacher supervisor, and program coordinator. She was known for her dedication to her field, her cooperative and generous spirit, and the calm and dependable manner in which she pursued her career. Mrs. Credle was a trailblazer in women’s athletics and performance arts. During her tenure at NSU, she organized the Norfolk State Dance Troup, started the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA), and served as the Assistant Coach of the Women’s Basketball Team. She was recognized for her excellence in teaching and supervising student teachers, many of whom maintained a relationship with her throughout the years. Mrs. Credle had a caring and gentle nature and a disposition marked by earnestness and compassion. These strengths made her an influential and profound educator who impacted the lives of many, including students, colleagues, civic leaders and community members alike.
Rosalyn had a warm and gentle spirit that was easily recognized by all. She had a welcoming personality, was always willing to help others, and never met a stranger. She was deeply devoted to her family and provided care for many family members during their time of need. Rosalyn freely shared her encouraging spirit and openness, and she was a mother to all. Her gift was listening with quiet understanding and a tender heart - the way mothers do - and she never allowed you to feel discouraged. Her joy, humor and friendliness left everyone smiling, and inspired by her presence. She often engaged with friends, students, peers and family members who would continue to seek her company, mentorship and counsel.
Rosalyn enjoyed many hobbies and was an avid sports enthusiast. She was a superior seamstress who quickly adopted new technologies, pursued classes to learn new methods and advance her craft, and she expertly designed complex high fashion and home décor items. Rosalyn closely followed professional sports, especially national basketball, and she was a big fan of Lebron James.
Rosalyn will be remembered by her family and friends for her wit and wisdom, her humor, her fortitude and guidance, and her strength of conviction. Her life left many pleasant memories – too numerous to mention, and some too tender to share.
She leaves to mourn her passing two loving daughters, Mrs. Valda C. Dixon and Ms. Janice K. Credle; a brother, J. Howard Johnson and his wife, Fraitus; three grandchildren, Rodney Brehon, Tiffany Bryant, and Krystal Brooks; three nieces; three nephews; a host of grandnieces and grandnephews; and many other relatives and dear friends.