Nailah Sharona-Chinyere Jaha's Obituary
Reverend Nailah S. C. Jaha, 68, formerly, Georgette Cromartie, departed this life on January 1, 2026, at home in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Nailah was born on November 12, 1957 to James J. and Audrey M. Hardwick in Lackawanna, New York. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at the age of 12.
Nailah was educated in the Lackawanna Public School System, graduating from Lackawanna Senior High School in 1975. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Geneseo State University in Geneseo, New York in 1979 and a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio in 1981. Upon completion of her studies, she did an internship in Psychodrama at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC, becoming a Psychodramatist. She met her late husband, Arthur Cromartie while working at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. After getting married, Nailah and Arthur moved to Stafford, Virginia.
Nailah worked at the Stafford County Department of Social Services until retirement where one of her many roles was teaching parenting classes. She thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity and met many people who she remained in contact with until her death.
Nailah was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for many years where she taught Sunday School, directed plays, and sang with Sweet Spirit. After leaving St. Peter’s, she joined Emmanuel AME. Nailah gave her initial sermon at Emmanuel AME in 2010. After attending classes, she was ordained a local Deacon in 2018. She loved the Lord, teaching others, and helping with the children most of all. She served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years even when her health declined and she was unable to attend church in person.
Nailah was fond of vibrant colors. She displayed this love for color in her attire; jewelry, specifically her sterling silver bracelets and ear and nose rings; the Arts including music, she played the clarinet in high school concert and marching band, played the flute, and was a member of a Drum Corp, dance as a part of an African dance troupe because of her love for the culture, and drama by writing, participating in, and directing many plays.
Nailah’s favorite meal was fried chicken, potato salad, and green beans. And she could never say no to birthday cake.
Nailah never met a stranger. She enjoyed a good laugh and could make you laugh with her many anecdotes and stories. She was passionate about journaling her thoughts and really enjoyed good notebooks and ink pens. Nailah was loving, caring, compassionate, and extremely generous. If you had no place to go, she opened her home to you expecting nothing in return.
Nailah was preceded in death by her father, James J. Hardwick; her husband, Arthur Cromartie; and nephew, Stephen Davis.
Nailah leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Audrey M. Hardwick-Davis of Buffalo, NY; brothers, Elder Justyn J. Hardwick of St, Paul, MN and Terrance L. Davis of Buffalo, NY; sister, Dorrenda A. Owens of Temple Hills, MD; nephews, Derrell L. Owens I (Theadora), Justyn J. Hardwick Jr., Terrance L. Davis Jr., and Lamar M. Davis; niece, Shauntel A. Davis; goddaughter, Kara N. Johnson; godchildren, Derrick, Malik, and Aniya Johnson, who knew her as “Me-Me” and Jah’Loni, who knew her as “Grand Me-Me”, all of Richmond, VA; as well as many great nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
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