Mrs. Emma B. Cross

Mrs. Emma Cross was born on July 3, 1940, in Proctor, Arkansas, to the late Floyd and Emma Crawford. She received her education in the Forrest City School District and proudly graduated from Lincoln High School. At an early age, she professed her hope in Jesus Christ and united with New Light Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member throughout her life. There, she served in numerous capacities until her health no longer permitted. Emma began her professional career at General Industries, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Following the company's closing, she answered her entrepreneurial calling by establishing Emma's Tots and Toddlers Daycare. Through her daycare, she lovingly nurtured, taught, and cared for countless children as though they were her own until her retirement. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impression on generations of families throughout the community. A woman of remarkable talent and grace, Emma was a gifted seamstress, beautician, avid reader, and exceptional cook. She possessed a generous spirit and found great joy in opening both her home and her heart to others. Whether sharing a warm meal, offering wise counsel, or simply lending a listening ear, she made everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Emma had a unique gift for making every person feel special. She took pride in caring for everyone individually, especially those she affectionately called "her girls." Her philosophy was simple, "If she had it, you had it." She was admired for her impeccable sense of style, love of fashion, appreciation for culture, and remarkable memory. She could name celebrities with ease and recall the movies and television shows in which they appeared. Her elegance, wit, and vibrant personality brought joy to everyone blessed to know her. Above all, Emma was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, faithful sister, treasured aunt, and loyal friend. She lived a life defined by unwavering faith, selfless service, unconditional love, and quiet strength. Her legacy of compassion, wisdom, dignity, and grace will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband of 59 years, Clarence Cross; four loving daughters, Lisa Duckworth of Haltom City, Texas, Karen (Darrell) Hodges of Forrest City, Arkansas, Vickie (Hosea) Dortch of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kim Cross of North Little Rock, Arkansas; nine beloved grandchildren, Andre' Reed, Travis Duckworth, Erin Dortch, Kailon Hodges, Addison Dupens, Ander Dupens, Chauncey Pettis, Darrell Hodges, Jr., and Jymia Hodges; three cherished great-grandchildren, MacAlyn Sebree, Darrell Hodges, III, and Austin Pettis; one loving sister, Geraldine Jordan of Los Angeles, California; brothers-in-law, Emmett Cross, David (Mary) Cross of Akron, Ohio and Elihue (Maxine) Cross of Conway, AR; four sisters-in-law, Jearlean Cross, Beverly Cross, Lilly Bradley, and Freddie Montgomery; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. Mrs. Cross was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Terrence Duckworth; her parents, Floyd and Emma Crawford; and four siblings, Walter Crawford, Wardell Crawford, Floyd Crawford, and Christine Crawford Pollock.

Mrs. Emma B. Cross

July 3, 1940 - July 5, 2026