Chalene Vester King Howard Cross

Chalene Cross, 88, was called home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of Monday, August 13, 2018.

Born in Fitzgerald, Georgia, Chalene was the seventh of nine children to the late Henry Clifton and Inez Obedience Hart King. She attended Hawkinsville High School where she played basketball and graduated fifth in her class in 1948. Chalene married Ramsey Horace Howard the same year and in their union had Jimmy Horace Howard and Janis Inez Howard. Ramsey passed away of a heart attack in 1964.

Chalene later married Rev. William “Mobley” Cross on November 3, 1968. They served together in ministry for many years and his boys, Terry, Wayne, and Randall Cross quickly became her boys. Chalene was a bookkeeper at Hawkinsville High School, Dortch Agency, and Johnson Farm. After retirement, she spent time enjoying her many hobbies including, sewing, baking, crafts, painting, and spoiling her many grandchildren.

She was also a very active member of First Baptist Church, as well as Broad Street Baptist Church in Hawkinsville over the years. There, she served the Lord teaching Sunday School, church training, and on many different committees. In later years, Chalene was a well-loved pastor’s wife in many churches and called First Baptist Church in Centerville her home church.

In addition to her first husband and her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Howard; and her siblings, Eva Mae, Clifton, Herchel, Inez, Maehugh, Vernell, and LaRue.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Rev. Mobley Cross; children, Jimmy Howard (Cheryl), Jan Whigam (Woody), Terry Cross (Dena), Wayne Cross (Joyce), and Randall Cross (Kimberly); grandchildren, Clay McCall, Amy Green (Bucky), Ramsey Howard (Jaclyn), Joni Ross (B.J.), Diane Fountain (Michael), Sasha Whigam, Lock Whigam (Becky), Christopher Cross (Lori), Heather Cross, Shaun Cross, Ryan Cross (Blake), and Callie Cross;24 great and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Viola King Yawn; and several adoring nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 15, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at First Baptist Church Centerville with Rev. Mobley Cross, Rev. Don Feezor, and Rev. Phil West officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. in Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville where Mrs. Cross will be laid to rest.

The family will accept flowers or memorial donations may be given in memory of Chalene to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Dr., Warner Robins, GA 31088.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mrs. Cross’ arrangements.