Janet Louise Cross

Janet Louise Cross, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend of many, and follower of Jesus Christ, went to be with her Savior on Resurrection Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the age of 88, at her home in Greenville, South Carolina.

Janet was born on March 7, 1937, in Loveland, Colorado, but her early childhood was spent in Liberty, Nebraska. Her mother made sure she attended church, where Janet was introduced to Bible stories. It wasn’t until later, however, that she understood and personally embraced the Gospel’s truth.

After moving with her family to Wymore, Nebraska, Janet attended a church emphasizing good works and baptism for salvation. She was baptized there but later realized that salvation is by grace through faith, as declared in Ephesians 2:8–9.

Following high school, Janet moved with her family to California. There, God brought people into her life who pointed her to the truth. Through the influence of her great-aunt Hazel Fentiman and a neighbor girl who invited her to a Youth for Christ rally, Janet first heard clearly about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She understood that she was a sinner in need of a Savior and trusted in Christ’s finished work on the cross for her salvation. The grace of God transformed her life, and she began to live with a deep burden for the souls of others.

At Forest Home Camp in California, Janet surrendered her life fully to the Lord, a turning point she would reflect on as foundational in her spiritual journey. After marrying John Lawrence Cross on August 15, 1957, and moving to Fresno, she was re-baptized in obedience to her new understanding of true salvation by faith alone.

Janet was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church of Taylors, SC, where she joyfully served for many years in the Gospel tract ministry. She was always eager to share the Gospel with others. Her life was marked by her love for God’s Word, her commitment to prayer, and her desire to see others come to know Jesus.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, John Lawrence Cross, and their three children: Rick Cross (Donna), Taylors, SC; Rhonda Van Gelderen (Jim), Menomonee Falls, WI; and Rochelle Campbell (Rob) Sellersville, PA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Beth, Jenny, David, Steven, Stephanie, Janna, Annaleese, Hannah, Taylor, Aaron, and Hope; and 11 great-grandchildren: Renae, Adelaide, Charlie, Hazel, Jane, Devin, Cameron, Annie (arriving June 2025), Parker, Evan, and Ben who were a constant source of joy in her life.

Janet’s legacy is one of quiet faithfulness, humble service, and unwavering hope in the Gospel. Her family rejoices that she is now in the presence of her Lord, whom she loved and served.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Faith Baptist Church of Taylors to be distributed to their “adopted” son, Timothy Seidu, a native pastor in Ghana.