Robbie Bratcher Cross

Robbie Bratcher Cross was born on March 3, 1930, in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, to Gaines and Lozine Stegall. Graduating from Morton High School in 1948, Robbie was honored to have been named Miss Morton High her senior year. Robbie had a passion for math and graduated from Mississippi College with a Mathematics degree. She used that gift to assist in the development of the mathematics program at Jackson Preparatory School, teaching there for several years.

Following college, Robbie married her first love, Tom Bratcher Jr., and together they had two children, Cheryl Bratcher Jeanes and Ladd Bratcher. Robbie and Tom began a successful construction business and continued to live in the Jackson area throughout their marriage.

In 1964, Robbie founded the Bratcher Insurance Agency, now known as The Insurance Mart, and later began Mississippi Insurance Alliance. Throughout her career, Robbie was honored with many accolades. She was elected the first female president of the MS Independent Insurance Agents Association in 1989 and later received the JH Johnson Award. She was featured in the MS Business Journal as one of Mississippi’s leading businesswomen. Robbie had a great love for her community and served on many boards including Omni Bank and Mississippi College.

Later in life, Robbie married Billy Joe Cross. They shared a love for nature, cooking, gardening and entertaining. She had the most exquisite rose garden and loved to share the roses with friends, members of her church or anyone who just needed cheering up. Robbie and Billy Joe cooked for many charity events, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hinds Community College, and various other organizations.

Robbie was a life-long follower of Jesus Christ. Her faith was evident in how she lived her life. She was a faithful member and organist at Alta Woods Baptist Church for twenty-five years. After her marriage to Billy Joe, they attended First Baptist Church and eventually found their home at Northminster Baptist Church, which she loved dearly.

Robbie was a loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother. Lovingly known as Mimi, she will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lozine and Gaines Stegall, her first husband, Tom Bratcher Jr., Billy Joe Cross and her brother Billy Stegall.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl Jeanes (Dr. Kenneth) and Ladd Bratcher (Sheila), grandchildren Kindal Lutken, Dr. Kelly Wilkinson (Louis), Callie Beukinga (Gabe), Olivia Bailey (Connor), Wesley Pinson, seven great grandchildren and many nieces.

A visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, MS on Monday April 15th from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 with the funeral service immediately following at 1:00.

The family would like to thank The Orchard for many years of loving care. Memorials in her honor may go to Mississippi College, Northminster Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.