Read Mrs. Christine Allen Cross's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Mrs. Christine Allen Cross

Portsmouth, VA, USA

April 2, 1942 - December 30, 2020

Apr 2, 1942 - Dec 30, 2020

Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

A True Servant of God
“Well done thou good and faithful servant”

Sister Christine Cross was called home from her work here to rest with her father in heaven on December 30, 2020. Peacefully she let us know God loved her the most and that she was “Okay” and said, “Thank you." Sister Cross was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She attended Virginia Union University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics.

Momma Cross was baptized at an early age at 4th Baptist Church. During her early years, she was raised by her aunt and uncle – Thomas and Mary Hubbard. Sister Cross has always had a mind to work with missions. Upon graduation from VUU, she moved to Norfolk, VA, to teach school. She joined 2nd Calvary Baptist church where she taught Sunday School. She met and married her late husband Clifton Milton Cross, and from that union, they had two children, Charise and Christopher. She and her husband moved to Portsmouth, Virginia, to begin their family. Sister Cross worked for Norfolk Public Schools for over 37 years. Even after retiring, she gladly worked as a long-term substitute anytime she was needed. She began her teaching career with the Norfolk Public Schools at Willard School and retired from Azalea Gardens Middle School. She also volunteered whenever any of her friends in education asked. She worked tirelessly until her health slowed her down to take a short break. However, she would not stay out of the classroom too long. In Portsmouth, she joined Mount Hermon Baptist Temple, where she used her teaching skills to teach God’s word to youth. Her love for music led her to re-organize the youth choir for ages 6-17. She served as Youth Director for many years and sponsored the Junior Missionaries. Sister Cross chaperoned youth to Eagle Eyrie and Lott Carey Youth Conferences at Shaw University and the Baptist General Conventions. Her love for children and missions kept her busy. Many knew her as “Momma Cross.”

In 2003, Sister Cross joined First Baptist Bute Street. She was no stranger to Pastor Murray because she had been in a class, he taught years ago at the Baptist General Convention. In 2005 Momma Cross re-organized the Jr. Missionaries, emphasizing to the juniors the importance of caring for others and spreading God’s word. While at the church she was one of the first teachers for Ready Academy, which was her total joy to assist and teach again. Sister Cross loved children and education and it was shown in how she spoiled all the kids and staff at the school. Everyone knew she was the “Candy Lady” and all were welcomed to grab a snack or two or three. She was a member of Tidewater Baptist Missionary and Education Convention. She was a life member of Lott Carey Foreign Missionary Convention Women’s Division. She served as a classroom manager in Lott Carey for 20 years. Locally, her Jr. Missionaries served in the soup kitchen and ministered monthly at Shepherd’s Village. The children also had a Christmas party every year to bring joy to the residents. The Jr. Missionaries also rang the bells for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season and stuffed Christmas stockings. They also participated in the walk for Sickle Cell Anemia in the month of September at Norfolk State University. Sister Cross was a member of Delta Sigma Theta and the Household of Ruth Area II. Sister Cross loved the Lord and “lived-out” her favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.” Philippian’s 4:13.

Sister Cross has two grandchildren Ashley Michelle Ward and James Clifton Ward. These two were the love of her life and were truly adored. She spoiled them as a grandmother should. She had a wonderful son-in- law, James H. Ward, Jr., and a great-daughter-in-law, Lavonda Cross. She is survived by her brother John Allen and sister Lucille Coles. She also leaves behind a long list of loving family, extended family, colleagues and friends. God blessed Sister Cross with love and joy all the days of her life.

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.