THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 18, 1996 TAG: 9608180034
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: 95 lines
``That day'' came for Clifton Milton Cross, a longtime resident of Portsmouth when he departed this life to receive his ``crown of righteousness'' on Wednesday, August 14, 1996 in a local hospital. Having lived a life that exemplified God's glory through a series of miracles during his periods of illness, ``Cliff,'' as he was affectionately called by family and friends, presented his life as a living sacrifice of the glory of God and the power of prayer and faith.
Born in Princess Anne County in 1940, Cliff was the son of Mrs. Margaret Cross Thornton and the late George ``Buster'' Cross. One of seven children, Cliff was a loving son and brother. He attended the Virginia Beach Public Schools and graduated from the former Union Kempsville High School. After graduating, Cliff began working at Sandler Seafood and then became a longshoreman. He was a Hatch Boss. He loved his job and was a proud member of ILA Local 1248 for over 25 years, working diligently, giving his best to all he did.
Soon after he began working, he met and married Christine Allen of Richmond. This loving union produced two beautiful children, a daughter, Charise, and a son, Christopher. A loving and caring father and mother, Cliff and Christine reared their faithful nephew, Wallace Hubbard, as one of their children.
Although Cliff's job required that he would have to work all shifts, his influence as a father was strong, and his love assured his family that all that he did was for them. The quality time that he spent with his family was very important to Cliff, and his jovial nature brought fun and laughter to their experiences together.
Cliff realized the importance of God in his life. He joined Mt. Hermon Baptist Temple and faithfully attended services until his series of illnesses eventually prevented him from attending church. However, his worship of God continued as church officials and members worshiped with him at home, and his family shared their Christian experiences with him.
His faith was challenged with his first life-threatening illness in November of 1988. His miraculous return to health after brain surgery started him on a mission of peace as he became a living testimony and inspiration to those who did not have faith. In 1991, Cliff and Christine celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a beautiful wedding ceremony in which Cliff proudly marched down the aisle and strongly renewed his vows to his beloved Chris. If he had lived a few more days, he and Christine would have celebrated their 30th anniversary on August 20, 1996.
Cliff had a mischievous sense of humor, which continued throughout his illness. He could take a joke as well as give one. Catching his family and friends ``off-guard'' with one of his practical jokes was a great source of fun and laughter for him and his family. Smiling came naturally to him, and his pleasant laughter made it a joy to be in his presence.
Before his illness, Cliff was a very active individual who kept his family, home, and job intact. He loved working around the house and took pride in keeping his yard beautifully landscaped. He was a kind and considerate neighbor, working to keep his neighborhood safe and doing all he could to help anyone who needed assistance.
In August of 1994, Cliff was once again stricken by the illness that tested the faith of his family. Once again, God answered their prayers with a miracle that sent the death angel away. God was not ready to call Cliff home yet. His life as a testimony of faith was still needed here on earth. For two years, Cliff was a paraplegic, but his pleasant acceptance of God's will continued to inspire others. He always had a broad grin and a hearty ``Hey'' for anyone who visited him. Though his speech and vision were slightly impaired, and he was unable to move on his own, Cliff showed love and friendship to all who came through his doors, fondly calling them ``Vernice,'' his favorite name for everyone, and giving them a broad smile.
The joy and happiness of family togetherness continued for Cliff until God called him home. Having completed his mission of faith and inspirational miracles given to him by God, Cliff quietly slipped away to his eternal home of rest on August 14, 1996. His life represented the triumph of the human spirit, and he, like Paul, faithfully ``fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith'' to receive his ``crown of righteousness'' in heaven.
To cherish his memory and carry out his faith are Cliff's beloved and faithful wife, Christine, his devoted children: his son, Christopher, his adopted nephew-son, Wallace, and his daughter, Charise. He also leaves his cherished mother, Mrs. Margaret Thornton-Conquest, and six siblings: a very devoted sister, Vernice Norman of Norfolk, Carolyn Wood also of Norfolk, Maretha Jones, Catherine Conquest, and Jeanette Conquest of Virginia Beach, and a brother, Russell Bright, also of Virginia Beach.
He is also survived by faithful in-laws from Richmond: a father-in-law, Haywood Cheatham, and sisters and brother-in-laws John, Barbara, and Kim Allen, Lucille and Milton Coles and family, Lutishia Mayo and family and a host of other relatives and friends from Richmond.
In addition, he is survived by a very devoted cousin, Shirley, who was always there to visit him and provide supplies for him; very devoted nephews: Mark, Bruce, Robert Lee, Steve and Ricky Norman, who were always willing to answer ``Unk's call''; two very devoted nieces, Elaine and Arlene, who were constantly assisting with his care; other devoted relatives include Earl Gaskins and Daneta Norman and an aunt, Mary Hawkins of Chesapeake; other nephews, nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Hermon Baptist Temple Church by the Rev. D. Stefan Adams. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk. Viewing at Corprew Funeral Home will begin at 10 a.m. Monday. The body will be taken to the church at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB