Gloria Jean Cross

Gloria Jean Cross (Nee Woodall) went into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday August 23, 2011 at her home with her family at her side. Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Rosalie N. Farmer and Julian La Fayette Woodall; siblings, Reggie Woodall, Nancy Gomez; a daughter, Sheryl L. Cross; and a grandson, Gene Noel Villarreal. Jean was born in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Jefferson High School in San Antonio, TX. She met her future husband, Gene L. Cross while attending Trinity University. Gene and Jean later moved to Ohio where they raised their five children, Barbara Ann, Lewis Paul, Sheryl Lynn, Kelly Marie, Teresa Jean. During these years, Jean was elected as the first woman Trustee in Russell, Ohio; and served on numerous civic and public planning and zoning boards. Jean retired to Louisville, KY, where she won the 2000 Kentucky Egg Recipie contest at the Kentucky State Fair and was invited to design and decorate the 2001 Kentucky State Easter Egg, which is now in the Presidential Library. Jean was a devoted and active member of the rosary markers guild at St. Martin of Tours and a director of Rosary International. Jean's life reflected public service, artistic and literary talent, and a tremendous infectious sense of humor. Jean leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Gene L. Cross; children, Barbara Ann, Lewis (Paula), Kelly and Teresa (Tom Blocher); sisters, Barbara Wright, Jouan McIntosh; a brother, Ross Woodall; grandchildren, Rosalie Kelley, Daniel W. Bracken, Lewis and Mary Cross; and great-grandchild; W. Ezra Lee Riscar-Villarreal. Pallbearers: Lewis P. Cross Jr., Daniel W. Bracken, David Cronin, Christopher Smith, Hunter and Nicholas Newton.

Visitation will be from 5-8 with a rosary service at 7 pm on Friday August 26, 2011 at Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road. A mass of Christian burial will be conducted Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Noon at St. Martin of Tours, 639 South Shelby Street. Interment at Sunset Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 11:00 am CST. Friends may leave memories and sign her guestbook at www.archlheadywestport.com