Noah M Croom Jr. was born November 14, 1927 in Electric Mills Mississippi to Carrie and Noah Croom SR. He was the youngest of 10 children. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour at an early age. 

During Mr. Croom's early childhood, the family lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and later moved to East St. Louis, Illinois where his father opened a gas station and automotive repair shop. Noah Croom's parents encouraged a love for learning and seeking higher education. His father only had a third grade education but wanted his children to go to college. Remarkably five children from the Croom household obtained a college degree at either Wilberforce or Central State Universities. An older sibling Lilly Pearl died from tuberculosis while attending college. Mr. Croom earned a degree in biology from Central State University. He aspired to become a physician, however due to circumstances beyond his control became a medical technologist. He enlisted and served in the Army and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal! Being a proud Central State Alumnus, he returned for homecoming yearly, well into his eighties. He later attended Fenn College and obtained a teaching degree, following in his siblings footsteps. 

Mr. Croom married his first wife Betty Leslie, to this union Michael Leslie was born.

While in charge of the laboratory at Bay Village Hospital, Mr. Croom hired Laura Finley. They began dating and were later married on June 19, 1965. They were married for 54 years! To this union two children were born Kimberly M. Croom and Vincent N. Croom. 

Mr. Croom taught elementary school for 31 years in the Cleveland Public School System.He was a proud man, always dapper in three piece suits and carrying a briefcase. He was strict and didn't hesitate to discipline his students by paddling. 

During the summers off Mr. Croom loved to travel. As he used to say "I've traveled from Bangor, Maine to the Golden Gates." Hawaii was the only state he hadn't visited. He enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing and specialized in the "jitter bug!' He loved keeping in touch with loved ones and visited St. Louis and Alabama yearly. He also loved keeping in contact by phone and asked everyone he met for their number. 

Mr. Croom was a jack of all trades and worked during the summers with his son Vince by his side  landscaping, water proofing basements and installing roofs. He often worked on cars, a skill he learned from his father and Henry his brother. 

Obtaining higher education was often discussed in the "Croom" household. It was Mr. Croom's expectation that his children attend college and graduate! Michael Leslie attended Tri-C and enlisted in the Army. Kimberly became a registered nurse and later a nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology, with a Masters in Nursing. Vincent graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and later obtained a Masters in Engineering as well as an MBA. 

Mr. Croom retired in 1993 and continued his love of learning and stayed current by reading the newspaper and watching the daily news.  He continued to travel, and visited Great Britain and France while his son, Vince was there for work. Vince took his parent's and nephew on the Eurotrain and sight seeing exercusions.

Mr Croom adored his grandchildren inspired the love of learning and encouraged higher education. He also taught fundamentals such as yard work and took great pride in his yard! He was always available to pick kids up for practice or work. He occasionally babysat. 

In his later years, he enjoyed watching "Martin" and "Family Feud" with Steve Harvey! Everyone loved his belly laugh! 

On Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, he departed life on earth peacefully with his wife and daughter holding his hand. He joins GOD, his parents and nine siblings in Heaven. He leaves to cherish his beautiful memories, his "queen," Laura M. Croom, daughter, Kimberly M. Croom; son's Michael D. Leslie, Vincent N. Croom; grandson's Brandon N. Francisco (Nora), Michael A. Simpson II; granddaughter's, Chanel B. Simpson (Cecil), Navia M. Croom; great grandchildren, Braydon N Francisco, Cecil C. Shorts IV, Payton M. Shorts, Montana M. Shorts, Harper C. Shorts, Grace K. Shorts, Zina L. Shorts, Mercy M. Shorts; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.