Sallie Martin Cross

Sallie Adams Martin Cross, 73, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 17th 2025 surrounded by her devoted family. A lifelong learner, compassionate caregiver, and fierce supporter of her loved ones, Sallie lived a life marked by service, faith, and a deep love for others.

Born and raised in Richmond, she was the daughter of the late Mary Coleman Green Martin and Robert Ray Martin. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1970 where she served as student body president. She continued her education at Wake Forest University where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, captained multiple athletic teams, and served as a Junior Advisor. While at Wake Forest, she was a member of S.O.P.H. Her friendships made there continued throughout her life as she met and travelled with them several times every year. Later in life, driven by curiosity and purpose, she obtained degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business and School of Nursing - embracing her identity as a “lifelong learner”.

Sallie began her professional career in banking at First & Merchants Bank, where she met her beloved husband of 49 years, Richard Mahaley Cross. Her passion for caring for others led her to a second career in nursing, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and wisdom.

In 2005, Sallie was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she faced with courage and strength. She lived in remission for 18 years before the cancer returned in 2023. Even through the challenges of her final year—including additional complications from a ruptured stomach ulcer—Sallie remained steadfast in her love, her faith, and her desire to care for others.

Sallie is survived by her husband Richard; her children, Robert Michael Cross (Liliana Rodriguez) of Maryland, and Elizabeth Martin Cross Jakesch (Simon Johannes Jakesch) of Texas; and four cherished grandchildren—Diego Martin Cross, Pippin Kollbich Jakesch, Richard Marco Cross, and Coleman Beowulf Jakesch. She also leaves behind her sister, Katherine Martin Shapiro (Jerry); her sister-in-law, Debra Cross Eib (Chris); and numerous beloved nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Brenda Cross Jones (Richard); her parents-in-law, Richard Holladay Cross and Francis Elaine Mahaley Cross; and her own loving parents.

A lifelong member of Grace Baptist Church, Sallie served as head of numerous Commissions and devoted much of time to caring for members of the congregation. Her love of cooking led her to prepare meals for the quarterly business meetings for several years as well as always joining “meal trains” to provide food for new mothers or members with illness. Sallie also gave generously of her time as a volunteer with FeedMore, hospice programs, and her neighborhood civic community. She was known for her extraordinary hospitality, warmth, and cooking, and was happiest when caring for others—whether through a home-cooked meal, a listening ear, or a helping hand.

She had a deep love of travel, beginning with her honeymoon trip to London and Paris, and continued the tradition of marking each wedding anniversary with a new journey alongside Richard. Their travels took them to 33 states and 23 foreign countries. Her love for adventure was matched only by her devotion to her family.

Sallie will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring grandmother. Her legacy lives on in the kindness she modeled, the faith she lived, and the love she gave so freely. To know her was to be cared for—fully, deeply, and unconditionally.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Friday May 23rd at Woody Funeral Home on Parham Road. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Baptist Church on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sallie’s memory to VCU Massey Cancer Center, the Grace Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, or FeedMore—three causes that reflect her enduring spirit of generosity and care.