Betty Childs Cross, 79
November 13, 1946 – December 2, 2025
Born on November 13, 1946, in Tippah County, Mrs. Betty was the beloved daughter of the late Grady and Oleta Robbins Childs. A proud graduate of Pine Grove High School and North East Mississippi Community College, she went on to earn her nursing degree and devote her life to the calling of caring for others. Her career spanned over fifty faithful years—years filled with compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving patients and families across North Mississippi. Mrs. Betty worked at Tippah County Hospital, served as Director of the Nursing Home, spent many years in the geriatric unit in Corinth, and even returned to North East to teach, pouring her knowledge and passion into future nurses. Though she slowed her pace in later years, she never truly considered herself retired, often smiling and saying, “I’m still looking for something to do.”
On June 12, 1976, she married the love of her life, Mr. Edward “Eddie” Cross, who survives. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Mrs. Betty’s heart for caring extended far beyond her career—it shaped the very foundation of her home. She was the steady voice of reason, the guiding hand through life’s struggles, and the shoulder her family leaned on during their heaviest days.
A woman of strong Christian faith who taught Sunday School classed in earlier years, Mrs. Betty always found joy in the simple blessings of life. She enjoyed traveling—especially to the mountains or on cruises—shopping for bargains (most often for her grandchildren or great-grandchildren), listening to Elvis, and keeping up with politics, where she never shied away from sharing her opinion. But above all else, her favorite place to be was with her family. They were her greatest pride and joy, and she showered them with unconditional love, endless support, and the kind of spoiling only a grandmother can give.
Though Mrs. Betty’s earthly journey has come to an end, the light of her life continues to shine. It lingers in every cherished memory, every Elvis song she hummed, every lesson she taught, and every gift she thoughtfully picked out for someone she loved. Her impact is woven into the hearts of those she cared for—family, friends, coworkers, and countless patients whose lives were touched by her gentle hands and compassionate spirit.
What a beautiful legacy she leaves behind: a life lived with purpose, a faith lived with sincerity, and a love that will continue to echo for generations to come.
In addition to her husband of forty nine years, Mr. Eddie, memories will continue to be cherished by one son, Edward Berlin Cross Jr, known as Rocky to most, her grandchildren, Zach Smith (Ashley), Madison Smith, Makenzie Morrison (Colton), Makarley Smith, Peyton Trey Cross, and Lincoln Cross, her great grandchildren, Emma, Clara, Sadie, Lucas, Rollins, August, and Olive, her daughter in law, Tina Smith, her siblings, and a large host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Those there to welcome her home included her parents, her son, Scott Smith, brother, Harold Childs, and nephew, Robbie Blankenship.
Ripely Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Betty’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Sunday
December 7, 2025
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
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Funeral Service
Sunday
December 7, 2025
2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
