Shirley Ann Cross, 78, of Bunch Avenue, transitioned Nov. 29, 2017, at her residence. She was the daughter of the late Anquilla Brown Murphy and William Andrew Murphy. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvonda Cross Sr.; sisters, Elsie, Birdie Mae, Addie and Marie; brothers, Robert William, Lorenzo, Edward, Roy and McKinley.

She retired from John F. Kennedy Middle School in 2005 after 17 years of dedicated and hard service. She was a faithful member of Tabernacle Christian Church and member for more than 50 years, serving on the Senior Usher Ministry and Kitchen Ministry.

She leaves to cherish her memory seven daughters, Darlene C. Smith, Stephanie C. Bowden, Vanessa C. Smith, Sherry A. Jordan (Edward), Lynn C. Hobbs (Alvin) and Nicole R. Porter, all of Suffolk, and Calcy L. Eason, of Sunbury, N.C.; son, Alvonda Cross Jr. (Phyllis), of Surry.

A celebration of life will be held at noon Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at St. Timothy Baptist Church, 1613 E. Washington St. Bishop Carlton R. Upton Sr. will deliver the eulogy. She will be laid to rest in Nansemond Suffolk Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.