News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee, is grieving the passing of Helen Sue Cross, who died peacefully at Dominion Senior Living at the age of 84. Known for her vibrant spirit, Helen dedicated her life to helping others and uplifting her community. Her legacy is celebrated by family, friends, and fellow church members, as well as through the many cherished memories she created throughout her life. Visitation and funeral services are being held at East Lawn Funeral Home, with donations requested in her memory for the Youth Fund at Blessed Hope Baptist Church.
Bristol, Tennessee – The community of Bristol is mourning the loss of Helen Sue Cross, who passed away at the age of 84 on Monday, July 7, 2025. Cross died peacefully at Dominion Senior Living in Bristol, where she resided in her final days.
Helen spent the majority of her life in Blountville, Tennessee, and her death has left a profound impact on family members, friends, and fellow church members at Blessed Hope Baptist Church. Known for her vibrant personality, Helen was adored for her joy in helping others and her ability to uplift those around her.
Throughout her life, Helen enjoyed a variety of hobbies including gardening, sewing, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She was not only a mother, sister, and aunt but also served as a confidant, best friend, and a source of unwavering support to many.
Helen was born in Jonesville, Virginia to parents Shirley and Martha Collins. After the death of her father, the family relocated to Bristol, Virginia, seeking new opportunities. Helen’s mother, Martha (Tiny) Mullins, preceded her in death.
She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Charles of Johnson City, Tennessee, and her son Jerald (Adrienne) Cross of Bristol, Tennessee. Helen’s legacy also includes her grandchildren: Hayden Charles of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Jude and Ian Cross of Bristol, Tennessee. In addition, she is survived by her sister Betty Martin of Blountville, and several nieces and nephews, including Teresa A Martin and Melissa (Scott) Shelton of Kingsport, Tennessee, as well as Freddy (Carol) Martin of Blountville.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in Helen’s memory to the Youth Fund at Blessed Hope Baptist Church, located at 334 Holden Dr., Kingsport, TN 37663, with contact available at (423) 239-6773.
A visitation to honor Helen will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM at East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. A funeral service will take place shortly afterwards at 1:00 PM. Following the service, a graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 PM.
As the community remembers Helen, many reflect on the cherished memories shared with her. A passage from scripture that has been shared in her memory includes John 14:27, which reads, “Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The loss of Helen Sue Cross is keenly felt, but her spirit and contributions to the lives of those around her will always be remembered fondly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Member Helen Sue Cross
Community Remembers Johnia Berry as 20/20 Highlights Justice Pursuit
Sullivan County and Bristol Partner to Revive Health Services
Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued for East Tennessee
Carter County Gears Up for Hurricane Helene Recovery
Bristol, Virginia Declares Fire Emergency Amid High Winds
New Skin Heaven Aesthetics Opens in Downtown Elizabethton
Elizabethton Water Resource Department Achieves Record High Score
Johnson City Prepares for Winter Storm with Community Support
Science Hill High School Seniors Earn Recognition
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Helen Sue Cross Obituary
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- JMDunbar: Jane McKenzie Obituary
- Google Search: Helen Sue Cross
- Farris Funeral Service: Jonathan Clay Obituary
- Google Scholar: Blountville, Tennessee
- Hamlett Dobson: Charles Castle Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John 14:27
- Marsh Funeral: Beulah Hager Obituary
- Google News: Blessed Hope Baptist Church
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
