Marie Campbell Cross passed away peacefully Fri., Feb. 26, 2010, in Gatesville, Texas. She lived a long and enjoyable 81 years.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Sat., March 6, at Pleasant Home Baptist Church with Brother Fred R. Kelley Sr. and the Rev. Fred R. Kelley Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Marie was born Feb. 7, 1929, to Ivan and Annie Mae Reed Campbell of Austin, Texas. She graduated from Austin High School then met and married a 20-year-old Army Air Corps Second Lieutenant flyboy by the name of Underwood Cross of Pleasant Home. Duty called the flyboy to China near the end of WWII, so she moved back to her parents’ home until the war ended. She then followed her husband all over the globe early in their marriage and made countless friends throughout the world. Everywhere they were stationed, she turned a house into a home for herself, her husband and eventually children – June came first, then Jeanie, followed by Joanie and then John. She was the best mom a child could ask for, the best wife and the best friend anyone could have. She was truly devoted to making those around her happy. She was loved by many, admired by more and cherished by those who knew her true spirit.
Marie and Underwood retired to the Levita community in 1983 where they lived and ranched for 26 years before moving into Gatesville in 2007.
Waiting for her at the pearly gates to Heaven were her parents; her brother, Felton Lee Campbell; her daughter, June Marie Cross Rainwater, and her granddaughter, Chloe Ann Cross.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Air Force Brigadier General (ret.) James Underwood Cross of Gatesville, Texas; daughters, Jeanie Stark and husband Bill of Round Rock, Texas, and Joanie MacLean and husband Doug of Huntington Beach, Ca.; son, John Cross and wife Sherry of Liberty Hill, Texas; sister, Jeanette Gruetzner and husband Bobby of Elgin, Texas; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
She will be interred at Pleasant Home Baptist Church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Dutton, Mark Cross, Bill Stark, James McCann, Doug MacLean, Kelly Cross, John Brown and John Cross. Serving as honorary pallbearers will are special friends and family, Jack Powell, Aundre Cross, Butch Cross, Barry Cross, John Mark Brown, Jack Leggett, Johnny Johnson, David Williams, Dale Locklier, Ryan Cross, Elliot Martin, Master Sgt. Hugh Hogue, Col. Haywood Smith and Jonathan Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pleasant Home Baptist Church Cemetery, c/o Judy Godwin (custodian), 9689 Rome Road, Andalusia, AL 36420.
Those unable to attend the services may sign the online guest book at gatesvillefh.com.