Norma Lee Cross

Norma Lee Cross, age 95,of Johnson City, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 2, 2015 at Cornerstone Village, Johnson City. A lifetime resident of Piney Flats and Johnson City, she was a daughter of the late Sam and Colleen Shell Hughes. Mrs. Cross graduated from Mary Hughes High School and Steed College. Mrs. Cross was a longtime member of First Christian Church, where she was a member of the Mr. and Mrs. Sunday School Class, she was also a past member of the Johnson City Country Club. She had a gift of hospitality. Anyone that met her was an instant friend. Mrs. Cross cherished and embraced her family and friends. She was an avid golfer, Bridge player and Rummikub player. Mrs. Cross, alongside her late husband, Duane helped with the ground work in establishing the ARC (Association of Retarded Children of Washington County, INC.) in May of 1977. Norma also was instrumental in the establishment of WACARCA, League Home, a residential facility for disabled young women. Along with several of her friends, she spent much time preparing homes for special needs residents. Norma served as Secretary for WACARCA for several years. Alongside other parents in the community, Norma helped establish the first Sunday School Class for special needs children at First Christian Church of Johnson City. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cross is preceded in death by her husband, Duane Cross and a brother, Pete Hughes. Survivors include, Daughters, Diane Mullins and husband, Phil, Isle of Palms, SC, Pat Blakely and husband Tom, Knoxville, Kay Cross Copp, Johnson City, Martha Cross, Johnson City; 7 grandchildren, Amy Allen and husband Chris, Chuck Bower and wife Christy, Ashley Askew and husband Chad, Katherine McDonald and husband Ben, Mary-Michael Conkin, Martha-Wayne Fleming and husband Brian, Emily Ann Jennings and husband Matt; Thirteen great grandchildren, Claire Allen, Lauren Allen, Harper Jennings, Bailey Conkin, Grant Allen, Zoé� Askew, Samuel Bower, Elijah Bower, Grace Askew, Townes Jennings, Hudson McDonald, James McDonald, and Blair Conkin The funeral service for Mrs. Cross will be conducted at 12:30 P.M. Tuesday, January 5, 2015 in the sanctuary of First Christian Church with Dr. Eugene Wigginton officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 11:00 until 12:30 in the Atrium of First Christian Church prior to the service in the sanctuary. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Chris Allen, Chad Askew, Ben McDonald, Matt Jennings, Brian Fleming, Mike Lacy, Phil Torbett, and Chuck Bower. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Cross, Don Ward, Hugh Bellamy, David Sentell, and Ryan McNabb. In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 200 E. Mountcastle Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601, C.O.R.E Services, 409 W. Walnut Street, Johnson City, TN, 37601, or Mountain States Hospice, 2335 Knob Creek Road, Suite 101, Johnson City, TN 37604 The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Cornerstone Village staff, Dr Michael Grossrode and his staff for their compassionate care and friendship. Order Flowers Service DetailsTuesday, January 5th, 2016 12:30pm, First Christian Church Interment DetailsMountain Home National CemeteryRead Obituary