Obituaries

Mrs. Mae Nora Parks-Cross was the third child of the late Mr. Herbert Parks and Mrs. Gertrude Engram-Parks.  Born July 6, 1938, Mrs. Mae Nora Cross transitioned to her new life as an angelic helper on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  Her transition was graceful, and peaceful, just the way she wanted it.  She was also known as Polly, Jo, Aunt Mae, Aunt Mae-Mae and the Silver Foxx.

 Although Mrs. Mae Nora Cross did not receive the physical healing that she prayed for, she received a far more precious blessing – the healing of the spirit!  She established a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ at an early age and continued her Christian duties at her church home at Paradise Baptist Church in Marianna, Arkansas; with her Christian family, neighbors, and friends.  During her membership at Paradise Baptist Church, she was the choir director, the president of the District Choir, the secretary of the Congress and Association for the Greater PLM&D, president of the Marianna Band Boosters, started the “Back to School Program for students needing school supply, worked hard with the Pastor’s Aide Club, and was a member of Five Points Star, Chapter 22 O.E.S.  It was her relationship with the Lord that helped her to withstand the test of time and sustained Mrs. Cross through the joyful as well as the challenging periods of her life.

 Preceding her in death was her late husband; Mr. Excil Cross, a son; Mr. Herbert Jerome Parks, a God-son; Mr. Willie Frank Rogers, a brother; Rosevelt Parks, a sister; Mrs. Alzenia P. Broadway, six brothers-in-law; Emmitt Broadway, Jessie Cross, Jr., Algie Cross, Ulysees Cross, John Cross, Calvin Nelms, three cousins that were raised as her siblings; Mrs. Tessie Mae Brady-Pulphus, Mr. James Alvin Brady and Mr. Willie Lee Woods.

 Mrs. Cross always set high expectations for herself, her son, her nieces and nephews and her students.  As a studious person, Mrs. Cross graduated from Moton High School, she earned a BS degree in Elementary Education from Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal (AM&N), was working toward a MA degree in Education before the passing of her son in 1999 and in 2005 Mrs. Cross joined Marianna Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc.

 Mrs. Cross enjoyed helping others any way she could; even when it imposed a personal hardship on her.  Reading and singing were her favorite part-time hobbies amongst her many other special interests.  For 39 years in the Hughes School District and a half-year at Carver Elementary she enjoyed touching the lives of the numerous students she taught the gift of education and the importance of the pursuit of knowledge.  Mrs. Cross had a love for her family and friends that was genuine and sincere.  She was always available to assist, listen, and inspire any and everyone she met.  Her gratefulness towards those that showed her kindness was unsurpassed.

 Mrs. Cross leaves to cherish her life her one nephew and two nieces that she raised as her own children; Jimmy Lee Broadway, Gertrude Anita Broadway and Maenora LaFay Broadway, two grand-nephews that she raised as grand-sons; Derrick Terrell Broadway and Jesse Lee Randolph, III, a great grand-nephew that she raised as a great grand-son; Donovan Terrell Broadway, a cousin that was raised as a sister to her; Mrs. Magnolia Shaw, three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Brooxine Greene (Johnny), Mrs. Shirley Nelms, Mrs. Claudette Clay, three aunts; Mrs. Rosie Lee Martin-Glass, Mrs. Mary Martin-McClain (Reverend Bennie), Mrs. Addie B. Johnson-Parks and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.