Mrs. Paralee Robertson Cross Thomas' Obituary
There are four words in the English Language that are more solemn than all others. They are Birth, Life, Death and Eternity. Birth is entry into physical life but is also the rite of passage into spiritual life. Christ came so that those who accept Him may live forever! This new life that follows death is lived forever in the light of God's love. And we call that life Eternity. Paralee has entered Eternity. A blessed life came to a close on this side of Eternity, on January 26, 2018 when Paralee Robertson Cross Thomas was called to her heavenly home. She was born January 11, 1929, to Arthur Robertson, Sr. and Nellie Mae Allen Robertson. Both parents; two brothers; Arthur, Jr. and Willie Edward, two sisters, Ruby Burks and Essie Oliver; one son, Donald Cecil; and one daughter, Lynda Faye Heard preceded her in death. As a young child, Paralee accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and joined her family's home church, Savannah Grove Baptist Church under the pasturage of Rev. J.W. Burwell. She remained a loyal and faithful member until her death. She truly loved her church and joyfully served in many aspects of ministry. On September 22, 1946, she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Elijah Cecil Cross, Sr. To this union six children were born. Four sons, Donald Cecil, William Arthur, Gerald Lemoine, Elijah Cecil, Jr.; and two daughters, Lynda Faye and Frances Lynette. On August 3, 1984, Paralee was joined in Holy Matrimony to James Thomas, Jr. of Colfax, LA. Paralee grew up in Meridian, Mississippi where she graduated from T.J. Harris Senior High School and furthered her education by earning a B.S. Degree in Music Education from Jackson State College. She also earned a Masters Degree in Music Education from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. Paralee did post graduate studies at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Paralee taught music for many years in both the Mississippi and Louisiana Public Schools. She was credited for repeatedly receiving superior ratings with her astounding 80-voice choir at Heidelberg High School in Heidelberg, Mississippi. She later earned a Certified Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Adult Basic Education, and an Associate Degree in Religious Education from Natchez College in Natchez, Mississippi. Her accomplishments include being a former chairman of the Mississippi Southern Regional Choral Directors, a member of the National Music Educators Association, and was twice selected as a STAR Teacher in Mississippi. She was the former chairman of the Music Educators Vocal Division of the Mississippi Southern District. During her teaching career, she was proud to have taught Rev. Darious Edmonson, who was her pastor. This was truly an honor to her. Known for her musical talents both as a musician and a singer, Paralee was a frequent guest soloist at church and community events. She was a motivational speaker and could be found sharing the Word of God with both youth and adult groups throughout the community. She was known to many for having a "Chicken Soup" ministry where she provided homemade soup to the elderly and the sick and shut-in.
Paralee was active in community affairs. She was chair of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) Board of Directors, affiliate of United Way, a member of the Meridian Chapter ofNationalAssociation of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. (NANBPWC), the Wechsler Community Arts Center, the Mississippi Meridianites Club, the Queen City Optimist Club, and a member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. A life-long member of Savannah Grove, she was spiritually and financially devoted to its continuous growth and development. She conducted study preparation for Sunday School teachers, taught Vacation Bible School, directed the youth ministry, was a member of the missionary ministry, and was a member of the Beautification Club. She also served as Chair of the Trustee Board. Her love for family, community, cultural and religious activities was inspired by her parents. She had a strong desire to encourage the youth to strive for excellence in education so that they could reach their full potential as good citizens who would also value their heritage. Paralee enjoyed entertaining friends and family with a special kind of love only she could give. To her children, she was "Mama", to her grandchildren and great grandchildren she was "Grandma Pal", to her friends, she was simply "Pal". Her memory will be forever cherished by three sons; William Arthur Cross, Sr. (Marie), Gerald Lemoine Cross, and Elijah Cecil Cross, Jr. (Sheryl); one daughter, Frances Cross Ashley (Darek); one brother, Charles Edward Robertson, Sr. (Rosetta); one sister-in-law, Alice Robertson; and a son-in-law, Major D. Heard. Her legacy will continue through eighteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless other relatives and friends. Paralee enjoyed a very special relationship with her son-in-law Darek. He will forever honor her as his "mama-n-law" whom he loved dearly. Margie Cleveland and Barbara Adams also shared a special maternal bond with her.
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