Thelma Cross

Thelma P. Cross PORTSMOUTH - Thelma P. Cross, a native of Portsmouth, entered into eternal rest Nov. 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 and 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 years), then later continued her teaching in Milford, Conn., on the secondary level. She was a middle school director of guidance (10 years) and assistant principal in New Haven, Conn. After 15 years, she returned to her hometown of Portsmouth and worked as a guidance counselor at Deep Creek High School (five years) and assistant principal at Indian River Middle School (11 years), both in Chesapeake. 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 eight years working with student teachers (1996-2003). She was a member of First Baptist Church on Bute Street in Norfolk, 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: Virginia Education of Secondary and National School Principals, Association for Secondary and Curriculum Development, Personnel and 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; four grandchildren, Anthony Burt, Tiffany Burt, Cameryn Hunter and 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 and Judson Wright. A graveside service will be held at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, 4569 Shoulders Hill Road, Suffolk, at noon on Monday, Nov. 8. Viewing for family and friends will be held Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. and The Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will conduct an Omega Omega Service at 6 p.m. at J.T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1080 N. George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.jtfisherfuneralservices.com. Visit www.memorialwebsites.legacy.com/thelmacross to share your memories.