Thelma Cross

PORTSMOUTH - Thelma P. Cross, native of Portsmouth, VA, entered into eternal rest on November 2, 2010. She was the daughter of the late John T. Wright, Sr. and Amanda Louise Wright. She graduated valedictorian from Norfolk County Public Schools (1946); earned a B.S. degree from St. Paul’s College (1950); a M.S. in Guidance & Counseling from Michigan State University (1963); and an Advanced Degree in Administration and Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University (1975). She began her educational career as an elementary teacher in South Norfolk (11 yrs); then later continued her teaching in Milford, CT on the secondary level. She was a Middle School Director of Guidance (10 yrs) and Asst. Principal in New Haven, CT. After 15 years, she returned to her hometown of Portsmouth and worked as a Guidance Counselor at Deep Creek High School (5 yrs) and Asst. Principal at Indian River Middle School (11 yrs), both in Chesapeake, VA. She retired after 42 years of service in 1994. Unable to depart from her dedication to education, she became an Adjunct Supervisor at Old Dominion University and spent 8 years working with student teachers (1996-2003). She was a member of First Baptist Church on Bute St. in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer for their Christian Ready Academy. She was an active member of the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was also associated with various professional organizations: VA Education of Secondary & National School Principals, Association for Secondary and Curriculum Dev., Personnel & Guidance, and the Retired Teachers Association. She leaves her love to her two daughters: Valerie Burt Russell and Lorrie Penn Hunter, son-in-law Edward Hunter; 4 grandchildren: Anthony Burt, Tiffany Burt, Cameryn Hunter, & Payton Hunter; Siblings: Antionette Parker, Ernestine Copeland, Leondas V. Wright, Sr. (Marsella), and Wilbert Lee Wright; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former students and co-workers. She was predeceased by brothers: John T. Wright, Jr., Bernard Wright, & Judson Wright. A graveside service will be held at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens at 4569 Shoulders Hill Road in Suffolk, VA at 12 noon on Monday, November 8, 2010. Viewing for family & friends will be held on Sunday, November 7th from 2pm – 5pm and The Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will conduct an Omega Omega Service at 6pm at J.T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1080 N. George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake, VA.

Thelma Cross

December 27, 1929 - November 2, 2010