She is a graduate of Goodrich High School, class of 1969, where she was a decorated athlete and Homecoming Queen. She married Michael Cross in 1969 in Grand Blanc, Michigan. They moved to Tennessee in 1982 with their three children, Aleece (Brian) Livingston, Shannon (Scott) Strahan and Jeff (Leslie) Cross. Carol was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her friends and the number of lives affected by her faith, positivity, and kindness cannot be counted.
She was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church and loved spending time with her Bible study group. She was a renowned cook and seamstress, donating her talents to charity and delighting her family and friends. Caring for children gave her so much joy. God used her nurturing heart and hands to serve families as a loving nanny through the years.
Carol was an avid game player, always enjoying the fellowship and laughter. Those who knew her well will always remember her infectious laugh! She loved supporting the Vols, the Farragut Admirals, and the countless teams of her favorite athletes – her grandchildren. Grandma and Grandpa reserved a front row seat for every moment in their grandchildren’s lives, whether it was a game, swim meet, concert, play, or award presentation.
She was preceded in death by her parents and life-long best friend, Dede Eischied. She is survived by her husband and children, as well as her grandchildren: Chloe, Emery, Sarah, Mason, Brady, Mim, Camden, and Spencer, and brothers: Barry (Lucia), Bruce (Lisa) and Mike (Roxanne), and her sisters: Wendy Rao (Peru), Mary Hoover (Larry) and Kelly Alford.
Carol’s life was a shining example of faith, love, and family. Please join us to celebrate her life on Saturday, July 30th at Grace Baptist Church, located at 7171 Oak Ridge Hwy in Knoxville, TN. Receiving of friends will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM followed by the celebration of life from 2:00-3:00 PM. Please consider honoring Carol’s memory by asking God to direct you toward a random act of kindness this week. The gesture embodies how she lived and how she ended her letters…”Take care of each other.”
