Marquita Cross

Marquita was a virtuoso in violin and piano. Her accomplishments as a classical violinist were beyond impressive. She mastered the works of Mendelssohn Violin Concerto D Major, Dvorak Violin Concerto, Paganini Caprice No. 24, and many others. She was a concert soloist, recording artist, chamber musician and teacher.

She graduated from Sumner High School in Kansas City, KS in 1967. Her musical talents were discovered early on as a child, excelling to first chair violinist of the Kansas City youth symphony. Her desire for perfection in her music led to her attending the University of Kansas, School of Fine Arts, and majoring in music. (She was given a scholarship to attend Eastman School of Music). While attending college, she fell in love and married Dr. Cartrell Cross.

Dr. Cartrell and Marquita Cross have been married for 45 years. They raised their family of five children in Houston, TX. Education was the major priority in the household with private schooling. She was a homemaker while pursuing excellence in violin. She continued with her progression and determination in perfecting her classical violin playing. She pursued teachings from higher education and world renown violinists. Ray Fliegel, concert master of the Houston Symphony, was one of those to teach and witness her angelic violin playing and recommended her for a full scholarship at the University of Houston, School of music. As well, she studied with Fredell Lack, colleague of Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman and Isaac Stern, who was instrumental in taking her to the next level. Studying at Julliard School of music with Margaret Pardee was another highlight of her career. As an accomplished violinist, she played along with famous artists such as Sammy Davis Jr, Beyoncé, Perry Como, Led Zeppelin and others.

She is survived by her husband and five children. Cartrell J. Cross, II, C.C.P. married to Sarah Cross with daughter, Christiana Cross in Fresno, CA. Chaundre Cross, M.D. married to Mary Cross with sons Adrian Cross and Jordan Cross and daughter Lyla Cross in Naples, FL. Chadrick Cross, M.D. married to Jill Cross with sons James Cross and Jason Cross in Chicago, IL. Anton Cross in Houston, TX. Arielle Cross Moore with sons Isaiah Moore and Kieran Moore in Kerrville, TX.

Marquita was a loving wife and an exceptional mother with a God blessed talent for music, especially the violin. She is an inspiration and could easily bring tears to your eyes with her miraculous and angelic performances. She will be greatly missed and we will look up at heaven often to say we love you.

A Memorial Service will be held from 5pm-6pm on Saturday May 10, 2014 at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens located at 525 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108.