January 26, 2011

NORFOLK — Mary Nell Cross Branch, 97, of the Cromwell House, Norfolk, and River Pointe Rehabilitation and Health Care, Virginia Beach, passed away Jan. 26, 2011.

She was the fifth child born to the late James W. and Vinnie L. Small Cross in Nansemond County, Va. Nell was a member of First Baptist Church Bute Street, Norfolk.

She was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Edward Branch; six brothers and six sisters. She leaves to cherish her memory, one sister, Connie Cross Wallace, of Norfolk; one sister-in-law, Annie Cross, of San Antonio, Texas; a cherished nephew, Harold A. Wallace (Shirley); a cherished niece, Sharon Wallace Shelton; cherished great-niece, Trebrehia S. Shelton; special friends, Jesse Trent, Reggie Beckett and Martha Davis; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Entombment will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Norfolk. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E. Washington St., Suffolk, and will assemble at 1107 Roseclair St., Norfolk at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.