Bertha Elva Cross

Bertha Elva Cross, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, had a joyful reunion with her family in heaven on May 22, 2017. A coal miner's daughter, Elva was born in Pennington Gap, Virginia on November 20, 1923 and grew up in nearby Puckett's Creek. At the age of 18, during World War II, she departed for Baltimore where she worked in a parts factory for military aircraft. Later she moved to Kingsport where she worked at Eastman Kodak for a few years, married, became a homemaker and served as the center of her family. She would say that she "loved everybody" and her home was always open for a visit, pleasant conversation and a great meal. Elva was an active member of Pleasant View Baptist Church. Her loving, caring nature along with her strength, humility and wisdom were reflections of her strong Christian faith and values. While she will be missed, her family knows she is in a far better place. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Eliza Rogers; her husband of 58 years, Herbert; infant daughter, Shirley, and her eleven brothers and sisters. Survivors include her sons, Ted and daughter-in-law Jan of Kingsport, Tony and daughter-in-law Leah, Coppell, Texas; grandchildren, Travis Cross, Keith Cross, Heather Peavler and Amanda Garrison; great-grandchildren McKenzie Peavler, Braxton Peavler, Malakai Garrison, Eli Garrison, and Narhiya Garrison. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Funeral Services will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating. Graveside services will be private. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Gladys Kern, Betty Cowden and Doug and Gwen Mitchell for their years of assistance and companionship during the final years of Elva's life at her home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Pleasant View Baptist Church, 2101 Stadium Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Cross family.