Merriel Cross

CAIRO, Ill. -- Merriel Lee "Mary" Henderson Cross, 83, of Cairo died Monday, May 24, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 9, 1921, in Hughes, Ark., daughter of Verge and Bertha Wiley Henderson. She and Bennie Cross Sr. were married Nov. 2, 1941.

Cross was a long time member of the former Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. She was currently a member of New Beginning United Free Will Baptist Church, its mothers board and board of trustees.

Survivors include two sons, David LaGrone of Buffalo, N.Y., LaDon Cross of Cairo; two daughters, Iolar Henderson of Dallas, Texas, Rosemary Cross-Robinson of Cairo; a sister, Ardelia Tyms of Memphis, Tenn.; two brothers, Birdell Henderson of Farmington, N.J., Alfred Henderson of Dallas; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, three brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at New Beginning Church.

The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the church, with Percy Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens at Villa Ridge, Ill.

Williams Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.