03/29/2024
Spread the love

photos by Kennth Armstrong

written by Charlotte Smith

In 1992, Thomas Marchmon was killed in New York, and he left behind an infant, three brothers, and three sisters. Machmon’s siblings only knew his daughter as “Baby Cromartie” and did not know how to contact her.

Fast forward to 2021, some Facebook sleuthing led Shareina Collier (“Baby Cromartie”) to her accepting, long-lost family in Bladen County, North Carolina.

Shareina said, “I have tried to find them since I was 18, and they were trying to find me too.”

She explained how for years, she searched online to find the Marchmon family. Then one faithful message to a cousin turned into a family reunion.

[slideshow_deploy id=’216102′]

Brittany (Marchmon) Preston, Collier’s first cousin, recalls receiving the Facebook message. Preston said, “It was an unbelievable experience.”

Brittany asked her father, Jerome, if he remembered “Baby Cromartie” after showing him a photo of a man holding an infant. Jerome confirmed it was indeed his brother holding the baby in his arms.

Jerome said, “I remembered my brother’s obituary stating he was the father of “Baby Cromartie.”

That solidified the family bond, and a fellowship meeting was planned at Leo and Bernadette Cromartie’s home off Twisted Hickory Road near Dublin, NC.

Shareina, who now lives in Georgia, with her husband, Aaron, and two children in tow, made their way to North Carolina this July to meet her long-lost family.

“It feels wonderful. They accepted me, and I’m going to enjoy them,” Shareina noted while surrounded by her newfound family members.

Jerome said he was excited to learn he is a great uncle.

Angela Merritt, Shareina’s aunt, and Jerome’s sister commented, “The important part is we are carrying the torch on to the next generation and teaching our children- you never lose touch.”

Brittany spoke up, “Shareina is very sweet, and she and her family make a really nice addition.”

She added, “We created new memories and will maintain contact.”

Shareina stated, “I’m very grateful and blessed.”

Jerome pointed out, “A lot of people have lost so much during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and this is a good story to show how family can come together.”

About Author