Dora Ruth Cross

Dora “Isadora “ Ruth Green Cross passed away peacefully in Salisbury, Maryland on November 22, 2023, after a gradual decline in health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life. Dora was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Dora was born on August 19, 1917, in Swainsboro, Emanuel County, Georgia to the late Ezra Walter Green and Arsular Billups. She received her formal education in the public schools of that county. Dora married Robert Edward Cross on November 27, 1933. In the late 1950's, she traveled from Swainsboro Georgia to the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland to find work in the agriculture industry. They migrated there to raise a family and become a part of the local fabric. Dora worked at Perdue, formerly known as the Wongo chicken processing plant, in the Salisbury area. She left the job to care for her son, Freddie, who was afflicted by rickets and cerebral palsy. She was the biological mother of 10 children. She loved and cared deeply for her family; often expressing that love by cooking for her family, friends, and guests. It was her way of showing her sincere affection for all. She was highly offended if you didn’t eat her cooking. Whether you were hungry, full, or not you had to eat something at Dora’s house. She was hospitable, inclusive, and welcomed everyone with open arms to her home and she always made sure you had a “belly-full”. She loved crafting, making blankets, quilts, and pillows. Her passions were working in the garden, planting flowers, growing crops, and above all fishing. Dora was young at heart; loving dancing and play fighting with her children and her grandchildren. She also was a very funny lady who loved telling jokes and laughing whenever possible throughout her entire life. Dora was a woman of faith, and she loved the Lord. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and it's Missionary Board in Salisbury, Maryland. Dora 's hard work, nurturing ways with her entire family and friends, and positive outlook on life surely helped her live a long and fulfilling life. She was a natural “story-teller”, sharing memorable stories and providing them with rich context and meaning. How engaging she was with her audience, usually the family, where they often sat around the living room to hear the stories, she shared about growing up and her life experiences. She was wise, generous, strong, patient, and was skilled with her hands in making things to solve all problems encountered. Dora is predeceased by her parents; Ezra and Arsular Green, her husband; Robert Cross, her brothers; Isaac Kenley Green and Ned Green, her daughter; Claudine Cross, her sons; Samuel Cross (Lizzie Cross), Quincy Cross (Margaret Cross), and Rufus Cross (Betty Cross). On August 19, 2017, for her 100th birthday, she was awarded and honored with a hand-delivered proclamation from the city of Salisbury by Mayor Jacob Day. Those left to cherish many fond memories are her children: Robert Cross (Inez Cross) Elizabeth Kirkland (Louis Kirkland, deceased), John Cross, (Diane Cross) Arsular Tunstell (Anthony Tunstell, deceased), Freddie Cross, Alvin Cross (Linda Cross). Grandchildren: Karen Washington, Michael Cross, Donna Wilson, Yolanda Johnson, Quincy Walker, Veronica Cross, Keith Cross, Schreaka Nwoke, Lakiesha Cross, Henry Wallace, Louis Kirkland, Jr, Ezra Kirkland, Andrew Kirkland, Greta Browder, Lauren Doles, Edward Fogle, Tammy Cross, Kiristin Tunstell and Corey Cross. A host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dora Ruth Cross

August 19, 1917 - November 22, 2023