Obituary of Emma Jean Cross

Emma Jean Cross, age 80, of Morgantown, WV passed on to be with the Lord and her loving son in heaven on March 9, 2018 at her home, after her lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Emma was born on March 20, 1937 in Buckhannon, WV, a daughter of the late Hughart Jake and Zenna Fidler Ratliff. In addition to her parents, she is now reunited with her son Richard R. Cross, Jr. whom she loved and missed dearly, sister and brother- in-law Kate and Armand Ricottilli, brother and sister-in-law Billie and Margaret Ratliff, brother Jimmie Ratliff, and brother-in-law Carl Goodwin, Sr. She is survived by her twin sister, Ima Jean Goodwin of Buckhannon; daughter, Cathy and husband Mark Berry of Charleston, SC and their children and grandchildren; sister in law Anna Dell Ratliff; special neighbor Lynette King; several nieces and nephews and loving friends and neighbors. Emma had been a caretaker of her mother for many years. She was a member of Light Chapel Church in Buckhannon and attended Woodland United Methodist Church in Morgantown with her mother. She retired with over 40 total years of service with C & P Telephone Co., Bell Atlantic, and Verizon, having worked in Elkins, Clarksburg and Morgantown. She was a member of the telephone company Pioneers, CWA Local 2004 and TOPS. She was an active member of Senior Mon and Westside Senior Centers where she enjoyed playing mahjong, bingo, cards, dominoes, exercising and attending dinners with her friends. Emma had a zest for life and enjoyed helping family, friends and neighbors; having neighborhood yard sales; opening her home for fellowship and laughter; and helping to feed the homeless. The family thanks WV Caring Hospice of Morgantown for the care they gave Emma and the support they gave to caregivers. Many thanks to family and friends for prayers, food, flowers, phone calls, visits, help with the care of Emma, and running errands. Graveside services will be held at the Heavner Cemetery on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 2 PM with the Rev. Donald Butcher and the Rev. Sherman Goodwin officiating. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.