Virginia McBee Cross

Cherished by her family and friends, and loved by those who knew her; Virginia McBee Cross,
88, of Marion, North Carolina, left this world for her heavenly home on Friday, June 16, 2023 at
Mission Hospital McDowell.

She was born in Richmond, Virginia on October 2, 1934 to the late Dr. Paul Thomas McBee and
Ivy Lillian Sandy McBee. A sister, Carolyn Morphy, also precedes her in death.

Faith, Family, Friends, Community – these were the strong priorities in Virginia’s life.

A committed Christian, Virginia loved her church and enjoyed worshipping there until her
death. As a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Marion, she served by
preparing communion and in the handbell choir.

Virginia and her beloved husband of 67 years, Gene, were a team. They poured into their
children’s lives, giving them a wonderful childhood and many precious memories. Virginia
loved holidays when the family could get together. Virginia is described in Proverbs 31: 28: “Her
children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Many people claim Virginia as a close friend; and she loved her friends dearly. She delighted in
opportunities to give to others: during special occasions and often randomly. She made and
gave away enough Christmas ornaments for every member of her family to completely
decorate their trees from her handiwork. She was an avid golfer for her entire adult life and
rarely missed “Ladies Day” on Tuesdays at The Marion Lake Club.

Virginia loved her community and she was a lifelong contributor to it. Her most notable
activities were with the Keep McDowell Beautiful program. Virginia loved flowers and
gardening, and she enjoyed tending to the flowers surrounding the McDowell County Library.

She is survived by her husband, Eugene “Gene” Cross, III; three children, Eugene “Chip” Cross,
IV (Penny), Paul Cross (Sherry), and Lynn Walker (Erwin); six grandchildren, Benjamin, Rachel,
Lucy, Camille, Joseph, and Melanie; sisters, Helen Shimp and Marie Geouge; and one niece, two
nephews, and three great nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 20, at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist
Church of Marion with Rev. Barbara Mayo officiating. Burial will follow at Bakersville Memorial
Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Virginia’s memory could consider her
favorite charities: First United Methodist Church of Marion and Crossnore Children’s Home.