I have always sung in choirs and also run choirs all my adult life. Anyone can sing - honestly!
You are only likely to get a croaky throat if you are doing "shouty" singing or are in the wrong voice part. I love hearing rock choirs - and everyone is having a ball - but the style used, which involves closing the throat rather than opening it, does tend towards a croaky throat for some people.
Don't give up - there are so many community choirs now that there is bound to be one that suits you - just make sure that you are not trying to sing either too high or too low for your voice range.
You could google the natural voice network - they might have some ideas in your area.
Do you still wear you original wedding and engagement ring