Dianne Jean Brown Cross, born February 21, 1947, in Columbus, GA, passed away on May 3, 2026, following a brief but courageous battle with glioblastoma. She resided in Midland, Georgia, and was a devoted wife, mother, and aunt who cherished her family deeply throughout her life. Dianne defined herself by her dedication to her family and friends, and left a legacy of joyful memories, delicious Southern cooking, hearty laughter, and unconditional love.
Dianne was the beloved wife of Alfred Cross for 26 wonderful years, having found her truest love in the autumn of her life. She was the loving mother of Joseph Ganakos, and the cherished aunt to Pamela Brown Rowe, Dennis Brown, and Jonathan Shirey. Dianne was preceded in death by her loving parents, William E. Brown and Jean M. Brown, as well as her brother, William Brown.
Throughout her career, Dianne worked for several respected organizations including AFLAC and Berg Steel, and later retired from the Florida Highway Patrol. She was known for her dedication, cheery outlook, and professionalism in every role she held.
Dianne enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid video gamer in her retirement, loved reading, and often spent time working on crossword puzzles. Cooking was another of her passions, and she took joy in sharing meals and memories with those she loved. She loved cats, and was a proud pet-parent throughout her life. Dianne had a strong faith and was raised in the Baptist Church, which remained an important part of her life and values.
A graveside service for the internment of her ashes will be held in Columbus, Georgia, at Parkhill Cemetery on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, Dianne’s family requests that donations in her name be made to support childhood cancer research through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://tinyurl.com/44se4k3u).
