Cornelius Antonio Crocker, affectionately known as "Tony", was a man whose quiet strength and skilled hands lit up more than just homes — he brightened lives. On the morning of Monday, July 28, 2025, Tony set out to tackle a challenging service call—just another day doing what he loved. However, God had other plans on this day. In a moment only Heaven could have foreseen, God sent an angel to give him his wings and guide him home.

He was born on Saturday, September 1, 1951, to Mary Alice and James Crocker, Jr. Tony graced this world with warmth, integrity, and an enduring commitment to faith, family, and community.

Tony accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Oak Street AME Zion Church. In his later years, he became a dedicated member and trustee at Greater Faith AME Zion Church, where his devotion and service touched many. He was a faithful and selfless man, which was evident through his actions and in his commitment to praying daily for his family and loved ones.

A lifelong resident of Petersburg, Virginia, Tony was educated in the Petersburg Public School System before pursuing a career as a highly skilled and exceptionally talented electrician. Whether rewiring a home or restoring power to a business, Tony approached every job with excellence and care. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his craftsmanship lives on in the walls, fixtures, and lights he brought to life — a lasting tribute to his legacy.

Tony was a very intellectual individual, which afforded him the ability to communicate with individuals on all levels. His conversations consisted of deep thought, a presentation of numerous perspectives, insight and priceless words of wisdom. Tony's wisdom was invaluable and it will continue to inspire and serve as a guide, surpassing a lifetime.

Tony was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mary Alice and James Crocker, Jr.; his beloved daughter, Aina Crocker; and his cherished grandson, Za'Quan Jones.

Tony's memory will live on in the hearts he touched and the lives he helped build — one wire, one prayer, and one smile at a time.

He leaves behind a host of family and friends who will forever cherish his memories: his devoted wife, Vida Crocker; loving sisters, Deborah Bufford (Clint) and Venita Gee; daughters, Zalika Jones (Billy) and Safiya Goldston (Tyrone); grandchildren, T'Ajah Gatling (Adrian), Tor'Riyah Crocker, T'Orri Crocker, Za'Karee Jones, Za'Kiyah Jones, Aiyan Goldston, Aryan Goldston, Airyn Goldston, Ty Goldston III, and Tyron Goldston; great grandchildren, Amari Gatling, Ania Crocker, Za'Kai Jones, Caasi Crocker McNeil, Za'Mari Jones, Korri Crocker Jones, Zuri Jones, and Za'Kanni Jones; goddaughter, Pam Allen; aunts, Thelma Brooks and Vanessa Crocker; uncles, Ronald Crocker (Charlene) and Alphonso Crocker (Chris); nieces, Shari Alexander (John), Aisha Grant (Andre) and Alisha Grant; nephews, William Gee III (Shaquera), Marston Gee and Levar Grant; sisters-in-law, Quansula Alexander, Charlotte Coleman, and Lois Grant; brother-in-law, Thomas Coleman, Jr. and a host of cousins, other family members and friends too numerous to name.

Tony was a lifelong fan of sports - particularly football, baseball and basketball. If he wasn't watching westerns or the news, he was watching sports. He played football and baseball growing up in Petersburg. His favorite NFL team was the Green Bay Packers and he has now scored a heavenly touchdown in Green Bay's end zone above.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Greater Faith A.M.E. Zion Church, 1301 Youngs Road, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Randy V. Kiah, Pastor/eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.