Rev.John W. McCrea III

The Reverend John W McCrea III passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, in
Waldorf, MD. Born November 25, 1953, he was the son of the late Deborah (Allison)
McCrea and the late John W McCrea Jr. He was the beloved husband of the late
Sharon (Goodloe) McCrea.

John was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School in Providence, RI. He attended
Fisk University where he was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
Born in Providence RI, John spent the second half of his life in Washington, DC. He
worked for numerous construction companies in RI and DC as a Project Manager,
including Gilbane, Inc in Providence and Bozzuto Construction in the DC area.

He followed in his father’s footsteps and was a master carpenter
On May 17, 2014, at 64 years old, John graduated from Washington Baptist Seminary
with a degree in Theology. He was preparing for his master degree when he passed.
On November 22, 2015, John was licensed to “preach the Gospel”. John came home to
Providence and preached at his home church, Congdon Street Baptist Church on
Father’s Day as his father proudly listened.

John’s late turn to the ministry was the conclusion to a life of love and giving. John’s
bright and sunny personality blossomed early. Blessed with musical and artistic genes,
he sang and drew at an early age and became a talented religious singer and an actor.
He met his wife in church singing. His rendition of “Precious Lord” has brought tears.
While in Providence, he made numerous stage appearances with numerous repertory
companies including Rites and Reasons Company at Brown University and with the
Trinity Repertory Company. He loved sharing his talents with people. Bringing joy was
his goal. He loved to give of himself to help bring out the best of everyone.

John’s own greatest joy was spending time on Martha’s Vineyard. Whether swimming
with his mother or fishing with his father and brother, those family vacations provided
lifetime memories and friends.

John is survived by 2 sons and 6 grandchildren, Chandler Glenn Henderson and his
wife, Alison Helzer-Henderson of Eugene, OR and Kristopher M. Wood, his wife, Alice
M Wood and his children, sons Enzo K. Wood and Elias K. Wood and daughters, Jade
M. Wood and Luna A. Wood. Also, Ayame Winston, daughter of his daughter, Venus
Winston, previously deceased, and Simaya Flood, granddaughter of his wife, Sharon.

He also leaves behind his brother, Glenn J McCrea of Pawtucket, RI, beloved cousins
Jane Robertson of Raleigh, NC and Yvonne Hollvey of Riverside, RI, cousin and best
friend from the cradle, Jeffery Allison of Plainsboro, NJ, nieces Kimberley McCrea of
Largo, MD, Tracey McCrea of Framingham, MA, Daniece Mazyck of Malden, MA and
Nephew Jonathan McCrea of Pawtucket, RI., former wife Iris McCrea of Washington DC
and current companion and fiancée, Tina Spurgeon of Waldorf, MD. He also leaves a
host of family and friends, especially his lifelong East Siders and his Fisk community.

He will be missed by all.

THE CHAIN 

We knew little that morning,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you,
you are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems to be the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

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