Joy Lynn Cross passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024. She was born February 16, 1947 in Monticello, AR to Harry and Eleanor Mo’ree Pewitt. She received a high school degree from McGehee High School, attended Arkansas A&M College, and received her BS in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University. She worked as a Civil Engineer at the Pine Bluff Arsenal for over 20 years.
Joy was a trailblazer and leaves behind an incredible legacy. She was the third female to graduate from Mississippi State University as a civil engineer and the first female engineer hired at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. In a field dominated by her male counterparts, she stood tall, going toe-to-toe with them. Her confidence, self-esteem, tenacity, and determination allowed her to not only excel in her career but also touch the lives of many individuals. Upon retiring from the Arsenal she was awarded the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.
Joy led an authentic life. She remained true to herself, standing up for what she believed in and challenging a patriarchal society. Her impact on those around her extends far beyond her professional achievements and leaves a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Everyone who knew Joy knew that she lived up to her name – she was a joy to be around and knew how to have a good time. She was a member of Leadership Pine Bluff and Toastmasters. She brought
joy to many lives through her participation in the Walk to Emmaus community, the United Methodist Women and United Women in Faith, and the Pine Bluff Quilt Guild. She was a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church where she was known for her warm greetings and words of welcome.
In retirement, she joined her husband in some of his hobbies including deer hunting and competitive pistol shooting. She was a member of the Ashcraft Hunting Club and the Pine Bluff Gun Club.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, JoEtta Brennan and Judy Westberry. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Clay Rice Cross, III; son, Harry Cross; daughter, Lynn Kilbourne (Nathan); bonus daughter, Samantha Cross and four granddaughters: Eleanor and Lydia Kilbourne, and Isabel and Camilla Cross. Along with her beloved family, she leaves behind countless friends from all of the circles and seasons of her life.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas with the Rev. Judy Rudd officiating. Everyone is invited to a reception at the church immediately following the service. Arrangements are by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services. Honorary Pallbearers are Harry Cross, Nathan Kilbourne, Dr. Paul Davis, Scott Long, Lester Pinkus, Eddie Robinson, Dale Teague, and Mike Walls.
Memorials may be made to the General Endowment of Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
The family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care she received at Baptist Springhill Hospital, and from the ICU team, and her doctors, especially Dr. Clark Watson.