Nellie Baker Cross, 94 passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Fate Cross, her sister Nita Harrell, and brothers James, Marvin, Roy, and Thomas Baker. She is survived by her sister Rochelle Walston (James), four children James Cross (Joanie) Southport NC, Judy Navickas (Rick) Smithfield VA, Andy Cross (Donna), Hampton VA, and Kelly Cross (Keith) Hampton, VA; four grandchildren Andria Moceri (Thom), Nikki Green (Matt), Jeffery Cross, and Ashley Cross; and two great-grandchildren, Cole and Quinn Moceri.

Nellie was born in Wilson County, NC to James Haywood Baker and Nancy Woodard Baker. She graduated from Gardner's School in Wilson and was valedictorian of her class. Her favorite past times were gardening, cooking, and sewing. Nellie was an active member of Buckroe Baptist Church for over 60 years teaching Sunday School to children for 30+ years, and then led the Winifred P. Moxom Sunday School class for more than 20 years. Nellie loved the Lord and was a woman of great faith. Always fair minded and even tempered, she led a quiet life and was surrounded by family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM Friday, December 18, 2020 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM with Pastor William Melton officiating. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The service may be viewed live by clicking here.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Buckroe Baptist Church, 1819 N. Mallory St., Hampton, VA 23664 or to the PAA Meals on Wheels ,739 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite 1006 NN, VA  23606