Mrs. Betty V. Cross

She was born to Mrs. Marian Edney Vaughn and Mr. Lucius Vaughn on August 21,1927 in Tavares, Florida. Betty attended Public Schools in Tavares, Florida and Leesburg, Florida culminating in high school graduation from Lake County Training School in Leesburg. Shortly after graduating, Betty relocated to Connecticut where she met and married Chester Cross of West Virginia. An avid dancer, Mrs. Cross began teaching Latin Dance to other young couples in the area. She was also a wonderful cook and a great hostess. Betty and Chester enjoyed traveling throughout the Northeast, frequently by motorcycle, in the 1950’s. In 1960 to this union a son, Allen, was born and Betty became a loving mother. When her father, Lucius, contracted lung cancer, Betty, with young son Allen in tow, returned to Leesburg to assist with her father’s care. When Mr. Vaughn expired, Betty, always a devoted daughter, began caring for her mother, Marian, who also became ill. In addition to serving as full-time caregiver to her mother until her death in 2007, Mrs. Cross managed to complete several educational courses in the Healthcare Industry. She worked for almost 30 years as a Healthcare Assistant at Avante Assisted Living Facility in Leesburg. During her tenure she was honored and awarded several times for her outstanding service. Upon her retirement Mrs. Cross became very active at the local Senior Citizens Center. She also worked as a volunteer in the community earning numerous letters of commendation, certificates of appreciation and meritorious awards. Early in her life Betty accepted the Lord as her personal savior. She was a devout Christian and a faithful member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Leesburg. She was a loyal member of the Senior Usher Board serving as President for more than 40 years. She was very active in her church, putting God first in all she did. Monday morning, December 18, 2017, Mrs. Betty Vaughn Cross, age 90, departed this earthly life to be with our Heavenly Father. Betty Cross was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Cross, parents, Mrs. Marian Edney Vaughn and Mr. Lucius Vaughn; sisters, Thelma Edith Vaughn East and Willie Mae Vaughn Watts, as well as a nephew, Terry Wayne East. She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted son, Allen V. Cross (Marian) of Greenville, South Carolina; granddaughter, Rachel Cross of Greenville, South Carolina; a sister, Carol Diaz, Ocala, Florida; an aunt, Juanita Bass of Stamford, Connecticut; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, in addition to many special friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Betty V. Cross

August 21, 1927 - December 18, 2017