Linda Janiece Cross

Linda Janiece Cross, 77, of Charlotte, Arkansas passed awayThursday, April 9, 2026, at Cave City. She was born July 31, 1948, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to James and Nora Duncan.

She was a wife, a mother, and, in her later years, cherished the title of "Granny." Throughout her life, she held various roles, including working as a waitress, a secretary for Daniels Construction, and for Arms Grocery in Charlotte, where she earned the nickname "Mama Cross." Her last job outside the home was helping her husband, Jerry, run the cafe at the local sale barn for many years. Most all the "jobs" she had in her life were with her husband. She was always by his side doing whatever she could to be involved.

In her personal time, she was a true homemaker who enjoyed cooking, canning, sewing, and crocheting. She also took on upholstery and a variety of other crafts. She liked to watch the garden grow, see the cows in the pasture and raise a fuss at the chickens if the egg count was off. At heart, she was an independent contractor; she constantly redecorated and did small remodel jobs at her house, so guests never knew exactly where the furniture would be when they visited.

She was a force of nature. While she didn't always have the softest approach and could be a little “spicy” at times, you could always count on her to help a neighbor or a friend in a time of need.

While raising her daughters, she was their greatest supporter, attending sports events, class parties, and participating in the PTA. She also ensured they knew how to cook and clean; supper was served at 6:00 PM, you ate what was cooked and the house had to be clean on Saturdays before anyone could go to town.

Her favorite title was "Granny." She loved attending as many school events, games, and birthday parties for her grandchildren as possible, and life only got busier with the arrival of her great-grandchildren. With her purse in tow, her cigarettes, and her Big Red and Juicy fruit gum, she was always ready to travel.

Later in life, you could find her seated in her favorite chair, a cup of coffee on the side table, a western on the TV and a cigarette in her hand.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, George Edward Ducan, James Asa Duncan Jr., and Bert Duncan; and four sisters, Mary Johnson, Christena Powell, Deborah Martinez and Ocalee Duncan.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jerry Cross of the home; three daughters, Melinda Chester (Kevin) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Mechelle Cross Lovell of Charlotte, Arkansas and Geta Bell (Mitch) of Saffell, Arkansas; one sister Cleaetta Polland of Strawberry, Arkansas; eleven grandchildren, Cody Wolverton, Andy Lovell, Zachary Chester, Matthew Chester, Haley Fowler, Whitney Jones, Bret Bell, Tosha Foreman, Layton Lovell, Baley Yates and Shali Lovell, twenty two great grandchildren; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Church of Christ with Bro. Mitch Bell, Bro. Chuck Crow and Bro. Levi Hix officiating.

Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Pallbearers will be Cody Wolverton, Andy Lovell, Zachary Chester, Matthew Chester, Bret Bell, Layton Lovell, Hunter Yates, Tad Jones, Joe Fowler, Seth Foreman and Drew Morgan.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Homes. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Shamrock Cemetery C/O Tony Anderson 1450 Shamrock Lane Cave City AR, 72521 or Cave City Nursing Home 442 Taylor Circle Cave City, AR 72521.