In Loving Memory of Deola Cross

Deola Cross, 84, passed on February 25, 2023. She was born to Walter Arline and Ester Arline in a small town in Texas on March 02, 1938.

Deola was raised in a Christian home where both her parents were deeply involved in church. She found Christ at an early age. When she moved to Seattle, WA she joined Greater Mount Baker Church where she was a longtime member.

Deola met the love of her life Hozy Cross, Sr. and married on February 1, 1957 until he passed away in May, 2013. She had one brother, Joe Arline, and 3 sisters Faye Arline. Minnie Arline and Esther Arline. Deola and Hozy raised 3 children together, Christine Cross (married to Earl Payne) Hozy Cross, Jr (deceased), and Clifford Cross.

Deola worked as a Supervisor at Pacific Northwest Bell (now Century Link) for over 25 years. She enjoyed working with people and being a mentor to the young people from her job who came to visit at her home for motherly advice. She also enjoyed gardening, especially growing Dahlias. Most of all, she loved family and being around family meant everything to her.

Christine and Earl had been taking care of Deola since she had a massive stroke in 2016 after a brief stay in Rehab as she was recovering. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, she enjoyed traveling, going out to eat, attending plays, shopping, and going to church. She was always ready to go riding, loved listening to good old Soul music and singing the lyrics to BB King, Al Green, Johnnie Taylor and other songs from the past.

Deola passed away peacefully in her sleep at her daughter's home in Arizona.

Deola is survived by her two children Christine Payne and Clifford Cross, son-in-law Earl Payne, sisters-in-law Mary Cross and Earline Shields, and a host of nieces and nephews. She is forever deeply loved and will be missed but never forgotten.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 27, 2023 followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Renton. Serenity Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.