The beloved daughter of Mrs. Willi L. Shanks Mark of Columbus and the late Frank Tarrance, Ms. Cross was born in Montgomery, AL and was a 1976 graduate of Baker High School. She attended Alabama State University and obtained an Associate degree from Phillips College. She was employed as an Associate with the Walmart on Gateway, and was a member of New Testament Christian Center Church. She was a U. S. Air Force Reserve Veteran. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Mr. Robert L. Mark, and a sister, Yvette Robinson.

Survivors, other than her mother, include: a son, Kenneth "Akeem" Tarrance; one daughter, Tonika Shervon Murphy; seven grandchildren, Roderick Shelton, Rodney Shelton, Jr., Kendarius Walker, Antwon Bass, Nederick Bass, Patience Murphy and Promise Murphy; two brothers, Martenise Tarrance (Shawn) and Arthur Sellers; three sisters, Marshelle Thomas, Felecia Tarrance-Shaw and Gia Mark Harrow; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.