Janice Gayle Cross, 85, of Benton, departed this life on December 2, 2021 at home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Sept. 10, 1936, to the late Robert and Helen Ice. Ms. Cross loved spending every moment that she was able with her family. The evening hours of the day generally consisted of playing solitaire and coloring, followed by watching game shows on television. Her favorite pasttime was enjoying Friday night dinners with her beloved husband, Sam. Ms. Cross was a long-time member of Welcome Valley Baptist Church. She was deeply loved and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Robert and Helen Ice, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Floyd E. “Sam” Cross; children, Sammy Cross, daughter-in-law, Mary Cross and son-in-law, James Hicks; and grandson, Logan Cross.
Left to cherish the many memories include her loving children, Michael (Melanie) Cross, Delores Hicks, Elizabeth (Carl) Haulk and Brenda Lawson; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Patricia (Lester) Burris; and brother, Robert Ice. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends also survive.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Pastor Lee Ingram and Pastor Carl Haulk officiating. Interment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens, with David Hicks, Michael “Bull” Cross, Jose Gerena, Seth Gerena, Ethan Gerena, T.J. Hawkins, Matthew Maxwell and Chad Maxwell serving as pallbearers.
Family and friends will gather from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.higginsfuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.