Alma Crovatt was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1930.  She was not alone!  There was a second baby girl, a twin!  The story we were told is, “when their father was informed, he fainted!”

The twins were born into a very loving family and had a wonderful upbringing. They excelled in sports in school and played basketball, volleyball, hockey, etc.

In high school, Alma enjoyed classes and was especially gifted in shorthand. When she graduated from high school, her shorthand teacher recommended her for a job at the local Methodist Publishing House. Alma accepted the job offer and loved it there.  She was able to use her shorthand but she also learned additional professional skills as well.

A few years later, Alma married Charles Crovatt, the love of her life.  They didn’t settle down in Richmond. They moved to a few different states during their marriage.  Charles worked in different jobs and he especially loved his work as the Administrator of a hospital in Kentucky.  But, the couple eventually chose to move to Virginia Beach, Virginia to be closer to Alma’s twin sister.

In the late 1960’s Alma and Charles had 4 children. Alma had developed an interest for natural cures and healthy living. However, on many Sundays, Charles would make fried chicken for the family and Alma would make the side dishes.  As they were cooking, they would play Broadway music records and songs from other famous vocalists. The girls still remember the special meals and the joy of dancing and singing the songs together.

When the girls got older, Alma decided to go back to work. Her older sister suggested Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment due to Alma’s interest in healthy living.  Alma liked the idea; however, there were no open positions at the time.

But a position across the street from ARE opened.  It was at “The Marshalls,” which were hotel accommodations and conference rooms located across the street. ARE relied on them to supply services during conferences.  The manager was well respected.  Alma applied and was hired.  She loved working there and learning more about the Edgar Cayce organization.

But after a while, a position opened at A.R.E. to work in a new “Library for the Blind.” Alma applied and was accepted.  The business skills she had learned previously, allowed her to quickly adapt to this work. She also learned Braille quickly and transcribed Cayce books for sight-impaired individuals.  She loved sending the important “Healthy Living” information to all who needed assistance. During summers, her children helped print pages on a new Thermoform Braille printer and performed other necessary tasks.

Many years later, the Braille Library work was transferred to the Library of Congress.  Alma remained at ARE and worked in the Marketing and Membership departments until her retirement in 2000.  She loved every job she had there and every person she met.  And, it was a great fit for her spiritual goals of “learning and helping others.”

When Alma retired, she picked up a piece of tile and stated that she wanted to create mosaic tile plaques.  She was a remarkable artist.  Most of the time, she would do a quick sketch of a design to use as a general guide. Then, she would simply clip tile fragments and create beautiful images. She exhibited and sold her work in art galleries and in other venues in the Hampton Roads area.  Charles created a website and sold Alma’s plaques for a while. They were sent as far as Japan and installed in a Botanical Garden in Georgia.

She also wrote short poems to celebrate nature, events and individuals.  And, she and Charles traveled extensively.  They visited Niagara Falls, Hawaii, Las Vegas, California, Yellowstone and many of the states on the east coast.

After Charles died, Alma became active in the Virginia Beach Rec Center “Forever Young” group and made many new friends.  But, most of all, Alma loved being with her children, nieces, nephews, spouses and grandchildren.

Then came the Facebook Prayer journey in 2019.  Alma was always looking for a way to help more people.  Alma joined Facebook and quickly had a following.  One day, a dear friend led Alma in a guided meditation.  Alma asked the question, “Will praying for the people on Facebook really help them?”  She received a clear message in her mind during that session.  An Angel replied, “You Betcha!”  And, in that minute, a new journey began.

Alma offered to pray for her “Facebook Friends.”  There was an overwhelming positive response.  As often as possible, she would pray for each person, their families, friends and loved ones.  This practice continued over a 5 year period.

When Alma was stronger, daughters would take her to parks in the region.  During times when Alma was weak, the children would read the names to her.  Wherever the prayers were spoken, Alma could always “sense” the presence of those receiving the prayers.

And, we are certain she is still praying in heaven.

Thank you all for your loving support for this special lady!

Extra blessings go to:  Princess Anne Health and Rehabilitation, Sentara Doctors and Hospitals, Carvel, Huddle House, Princess Anne Farmers Market, Lucky Oyster, Sapporo, Virginia Beach-Forever Young and all of our beautiful regional Parks, Suffolk Art/Poetry events, and Cremation Society of Virginia

Please visit www.vacremationsociety.com to share memories and offer condolences.