Georgetown, SC

Mary Jean Cross, 79, wife of John Harry Cross, Jr. of DeBordieu Colony, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023, in her home with her husband and two sons by her side. She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Leonard O. and Rachel (Lewis) Crawford.

Mary Jean was a 1965 graduate of Agnes Scott College, earning her BA in sociology, and then furthered her education at Fordham University, gaining her Master's of Social Work in 1991. After receiving her master's degree, Mary Jean worked as a private therapist and counselor in Fairfield County, Connecticut before moving to South Carolina in 2004. While residing in Connecticut, Mary Jean was instrumental in the founding and early management of the Weston Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP).

Mary Jean played a pivotal role in the fundraising to help build the Waccamaw Neck Branch Library. She also served as a volunteer mental health care provider for the Smith Clinic in Pawleys Island for over 10 years.

She loved Georgetown Presbyterian Church, was chair of the congregational care committee, and directed multiple ministries for the congregation, as well as serving as a church elder.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, John Cross of DeBordieu; two sons, Jay Cross and his wife, Jen who live in Weston, CT with their three daughters, Rylie, Katie, Hannah and son, Jake and Brent Cross and his wife, Alana, who also live in Weston, CT with their two daughters, Anna and Sarah.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Joann Steves and Drucilla Ellen Mott.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 17, 2023 in the Georgetown Presbyterian Church.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Smith Medical Clinic, 99 Baskervill Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.