Lessie Harrell Cross

Lessie Harrell Cross, age 103, of Bearden died Tuesday, July 1, 2014. She was born July 13, 1910 in Calhoun County, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Wesley Harrell and Viola Dean Harbour Harrell; her husband, Nathaniel Arlis Cross; two brothers, Aubrey Albert Harrell (Ethel), Elmer William Harrell (Leah); one sister, Zora Elizabeth Harrell Stark (Dewey); and her beloved son-in-law, Howard Gray McWhorter. She is survived by her only daughter, Mary Jo Cross McWhorter; three grandchildren, Stephen Gray McWhorter (Sharon), Natalie Lynn Doan (Allen), Michael Arlis McWhorter (Jana); seven great grandchildren, Holly, Lauren, Kris, Brandon, Shelby, Mallory, and Garrett; and five great-great grandchildren.
"Les", as she was lovingly referred to by her family and friends, was active in many community organizations, but was most passionate about her service to her Lord as a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Bearden, where she faithfully served for 62 years. She was also Executive Vice President and President of the former Bear Brand Roofing Co., Inc., a long time private manufacture of composition roofing in South Arkansas.
In her later years, Lessie became an accomplished painter, and many homes in the Bearden community were the recipients of her oil and watercolor paintings. She also traveled extensively, making trips to Hawaii, the Holy Land, Africa, and the Scandinavian countries.
Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was central in her life, and I am sure that she in now enjoying serving her Maker on the bright shores of Heaven. She will be greatly missed by those of us who were blessed by her presence for these many years!
The family wishes to extend their appreciation and gratitude to Doctors Bird and Martin, Ouachita County Hospice members, and faithful sitters, Velinda Doherty and Onyse Moore for their compassionate care giving during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Southern Baptist Church or Ouachita County Home Health-Hospice.
Visitation will be Friday, July 4, 2014 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home in Bearden. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 5, 2014 2:00 pm at First Southern Baptist Church in Bearden with Rev. Bill Fowler and Rev. Jim Cross officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery near Rosston. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce/Bearden. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .