"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." - Isaiah 64:6 Ellen V. Croker, the daughter of the late Calvin Richburg and Emma Sumter Richburg, was born on January 29, 1914 in Manning, South Carolina. She departed this life on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Moncks Corner Medical Center, Moncks Corner, South Carolina. She attended the public schools of Clarendon County. She furthered her education at South Carolina State College (S.C. State University) and received her B.S. degree in Education. Ellen began her Christian journey at Elizabeth Baptist Church, Manning, South Carolina and became active in the Sunshine Band. Ellen was united in Holy Matrimony to Rev. James A. Croker in 1940. Upon her marriage, she became affiliated with the United Methodist Church and served in various capacities as a Pastor's wife. Upon the death of her husband, she joined Zion United Methodist Church (now known as New Light United Methodist Church), where her Christian service included long time commitments to the Trustee Board and Missions Committee. Her service continued at the national level with the United Methodist Women. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Annette. Ellen's life was also characterized by service to her community with over thirty years of teaching in public education with long time service to Cross and St. Stephen schools, volunteer work with literacy programs and numerous social and community organizations. She stood on the vanguard of the Civil Rights Movement in Berkeley County, serving as one of the first Black teachers in formerly segregated schools. She had a special commitment to the Coastal Center in Ladson, South Carolina, a center for children and adults living with developmental disabilities. She will be greatly missed. Those left to cherish her memory: her son, James Alton Croker, Jr. and his wife, Marilyn of Huber Heights, OH; her sister, Ethel M. Richburg of Manning, SC; four grandchildren, Danielle, Alton, III, Leander and Caleb; a great-granddaughter, Athena Rose; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. To leave a memorial message for the family, please click on the 'Sign the Guestbook' tab. Thank you!