Cover photo for Shelby Cross's Obituary
Shelby Cross Profile Photo
1947 Shelby 2024

Shelby Cross

December 18, 1947 — January 6, 2024

Atlanta

Shelby Adelia Davis was born on December 18, 1947, in Los Angeles, CA, to parents Thomas Maxwell Davis Jr (January 14, 1916 - September 18, 1970) and Adelia Crisp Davis (April 2, 1918 - May 29, 2009).  She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Cross (March 15, 1947 - December 5, 2004).

Shelby was a devout Christian who started her spiritual journey as a Methodist and later joined the Church of God in Christ.  She attended several churches of various denominations throughout her life, with her final home church being First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.
 
After graduating from Fremont High School in Los Angeles, CA, Shelby attended the University of Southern California.  She worked at several places, including General Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, and ultimately retired from Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
 
Shelby was known for her sense of humor with her school-aged friends.  She was also a world-class cellist and the first black female to play with her school orchestra in London, England.  Shelby met her husband at USC, and they married on August 31, 1968.  Following her grandson Avery's interest in the saxophone, she resumed playing the cello.  Violins of Hope Chicago, hosted by JCC Chicago, is a collection of 70+ string instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust that has been lovingly restored.  In her final performance, she played a Holocaust survivor's cello live in concert with Avery for JCC Chicago Growing Hope outside Wrigley Field.
 
Shelby is survived by her three siblings, five children, 11 grandchildren, and many others born or accepted into her extended family.


Celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 11:00 am at First Iconium Baptist Church 542 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Viewing and Visitation: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm @ Anthony L. Watkins Funeral Home

Interment: Dawn Memorial 

Final Arrangements Entrusted To: Anthony L. Watkins Funeral Home Jonesboro Chapel "Service with Compassion" 163 North Avenue Jonesboro, Georgia 30236 (678) 479-0806 Anthony L. Watkins, President.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shelby Cross, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Viewing

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Anthony L. Watkins Funeral Home

163 North Ave, Jonesboro, GA 30236

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Celebration of Life

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

First Iconium Baptist Church

542 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Thursday, January 18, 2024

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