Deaconess Lula Bell Cross

Mother Lula Bell Williams Cross was born on October 29, 1943, in Moniac, Georgia, to the late James L. Williams and Ruby Williams. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida, at an early age, where she attended Duval County Public Schools and graduated from Matthew W. Gilbert High School, Class of 1962.

On January 2, 1965, Lula married the love of her life, Herbert Cross Sr. Their sixty-one-year union was a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring love. Together, they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and family.

Mother Cross was employed with Sears Roebuck and Company for twenty-one years, where she was known for her strong work ethic, warm spirit, and unwavering integrity.

Mother Cross was the proud founder and owner of Blessed Hands Fashion and Floral Design, where her creativity blossomed, and her beautiful designs brightened countless church events, weddings, and special occasions.

Lula accepted Christ at an early age and lived a life that reflected her deep and abiding faith. She was a devoted member of the Faust Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder W. F. Faust Sr. During her years of service, she faithfully served on the Usher Board and as Choir President. She also had the distinct honor of unveiling the unfaltering, unforgettable, and immortal words of Elder W. F. Faust: “I thank the Lord for letting me live, and after being alive, I’m saved.” These words became a treasured part of her spiritual legacy.

In 2001, Mother Lula Cross and her husband, Deacon Herbert Cross Sr., joined All People International Church under the leadership of the Late Honorable Chief Apostle Arthur T. Jones Sr., where they continued their faithful service to the Lord and His people. During her time at All People, she served faithfully as Bishop Sharon Jones’ Armor Bearer and was a co-leader of the Couples Ministry.

A lifelong learner with a heart for God’s Word, she later continued her education and proudly earned an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from Logos University in June 2015.

Mother Cross was preceded in death by her parents, James L. and Ruby Williams; her brothers, Willie (Buddy) Stokes, James L. (Jimmy) Williams, Henry L. (Sonny) Williams Sr., and Leroy (Pop) Williams Sr.; her sisters, Ethel Lee (Girl) Jones, Ella Mae (Baby) Bawden, Mattie Ruth (Mutt) Standberry, and Marilyn Ruby (Sister) Singleton; and her beloved grandson, Shawn Patrick Taylor II.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband of sixty-one years, Herbert Cross Sr.; her loving children, Herbert Cross Jr. (Shantel) and Chaunci Cross; her cherished granddaughter, Carrington Ashlyn Cross; her dear cousin/family matriarch, Mother Cleo Vining; brothers-in-law, Reverend Costell Cross (Clara), Mitchell Cross, and Rollace Cross; sister-in-law Rachel Cross-Coleman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and many treasured friends.

Mother Lula Bell Williams Cross lived a life marked by grace, service, and unwavering faith. Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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