Mr. Donald Cecil Cross' Obituary
Mr Donald Cecil Cross was born April 25, 1947 in Meridian, MS. He was the first of six children born to Paralee Cross Thomas and the late Elijah Cecil Cross, Sr. As he rested peacefully in his sleep, the Lord called Don home on March 1, 2016. He was a devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many, many people. We all have the assurance that God received him at the heavenly gate where he found peace and rest. Don's early childhood education was acquired at various places throughout Mississippi attending schools in Meridian, Louisville and Anchorman. His final years of high school were spent at Bay Springs High School where he graduated in 1965 .. Upon graduation he attended Jackson State College (now Jackson State University) where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature in 1969. Don also completed course work at Mississippi State University. While at JSU, he was prompted by a professor to participate in an internship at Mississippi ETV network. While at ETV Don acquired a job writing proposals and instructional programs. Don taught school for the following three years. Not being satisfied with teaching, he decided to give news reporting a try. Don became the first African-American television news anchor in Meridian, working at WTOK in the 1970s until 1981 when he took a job working for WLBT in Jackson, MS. He remained there until he transitioned from the news business in 1988. At the time of his death Don was retired from the City Of Meridian where he worked as an Equal Opportunity Officer from1988-1997 and as an Administrative Assistance Officer to the mayor from 1997-2005. Don was an optimist who had a great love for the outdoors and took pride in sharing this love with his two sons. A Scout leader who enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and gardening, he received many awards and recognitions throughout his career. Being raised in a Christian home, Don grew to love God, his family and his friends. He was united in marriage in 1972 to the late Remola Darden Cross. To that union two children were born. He later married Theresa King Cross in 1998. His father and one sister, Lynda Faye Heard, proceeded him in death. Don leaves behind to cherish his loving memories, two sons, Dylan Cross (Nancy), Olympia, WA and Byron Cross, Meridian, MS; two grandsons, Jacarus Cross, Meridian, MS and Ethan Cross, Olympia, WA; his mother, Paralee Cross Thomas, Meridian, MS; three brothers, Willam A. Cross (Marie), Sr., Raleigh, NC; Gerald L. Cross, Meridian, MS, Elijah Cecil Cross, Jr. (Sheryl), Brandon, MS; one sister, Frances Cross Ashley (Darek), Jackson, MS; one brother-in-law, Major D. Heard Grenada MS·, one sister-in-law, Daphine Darden, Meridian, MS; one aunt, Essie Oliver, North Highlands, CA; one uncle, Charles Robertson (Rosetta), Meridian, MS; and countless nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
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