Clara Jeanette Cross - Ransbottom

Born Clara Jeanette Housley on August 2, 1935, she was known to all as Jean. A strong and caring woman, Jean began her life’s journey at a young age when she helped raise her three sisters. She went on to marry her first husband, William (Bill) Cross, and together they had four children. Jean and Bill were well-known in the Atlanta area for their successful restaurants, which were popular establishments for many years.

Later in life, Jean married Jack Angelo Ransbottom. She and Jack shared a love of travel and attending writing workshops. A woman of strong faith, Jean was a devout Christian who instilled her love for God and Jesus Christ in her children. She found comfort and strength in her relationship with the Lord. One of her favorite sayings was, “Why worry when you can pray.” Jean was a devoted mother and a good friend to many. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, her unwavering faith, and the positive impact she had on those around her.

Jean was preceded in death by her husbands, William Howard Cross Sr. and Jack Angelo Ransbottom; her daughters, Debbie Lynn McNeel, Terry Jean Cross, and Sharon Deann Cross; her mother, Ada Mae Housley Earp; her father, Riley Berry Housley; her stepfather, Bill Earp; and her granddaughter Jacqueline Menz.

She is survived by her son, William Howard Cross Jr. and his wife, Angela Baxter Cross; her grandchildren, Vera “Sunny” Cross, Joseph James Cross, Robert Bradley Cross and wife Ansley Easterwood, William Howard Cross III and wife Cortney Cross, Michelle Cross, Chad McNeel, and Justin Cross; her great-grandchildren, Madison Michelle Cross, Veronica Lindsey, Amelia Menz, Marlee Mae Cross, Eden Parker Cross, Asher Bradley Cross, Elliot Morgan Cross, Aliyah Terry Tucker; her sisters, Laura Berry, Sandra Perry, and Nancy Suttles; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, followed by a celebration of Jean’s life with a memorial service at 3:00 PM in Ward’s Chapel. Pastor Rodney Wilburn, officiating.