News Summary
Helen Sue Cross, a cherished community member from Bristol, Tennessee, has passed away. Known for her vibrant personality, Helen dedicated her life to her family, friends, and church. A visitation and funeral service will be held in her honor, where loved ones can pay their respects. Helen leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love, deeply impacting her community.
Bristol, Tennessee
Beloved community member Helen Sue Cross passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 84. She died at Dominion Senior Living in Bristol, Tennessee, after spending the last chapter of her life dedicated to her family, friends, and faith.
Helen Sue Cross lived most of her life in Blountville, Tennessee. She was a devoted member of Blessed Hope Baptist Church, where her vibrant personality and joy for helping others made a lasting impact on her community. Known for her gardening, sewing, and time spent with loved ones, Helen was not only a mother and sister but also a confidant, best friend, and source of support for many.
Born in Jonesville, Virginia to parents Shirley and Martha Collins, Helen faced early challenges with the loss of her father. Following this tragedy, her family relocated to Bristol, Virginia, where she would eventually develop her roots in the region. She is preceded in death by her mother, Martha (Tiny) Mullins.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Charles of Johnson City, Tennessee, and her son, Jerald (Adrienne) Cross, who resides in Bristol, Tennessee. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Hayden Charles of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Jude Cross and Ian Cross of Bristol, Tennessee. Additionally, her sister, Betty Martin, of Blountville, Tennessee, and several nieces and nephews, including Teresa A. Martin and Melissa (Scott) Shelton of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Freddy (Carol) Martin of Blountville, Tennessee, are among those who will miss her dearly.
In honor of her memory, the Cross family requests that donations be made to the Blessed Hope Baptist Church Youth Fund, located at 334 Holden Dr., Kingsport, TN 37663, or by calling (423) 239-6773.
Visitation and Funeral Service Details
A visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM at East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM on the same day. A graveside service is scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM on July 11, 2025.
The Cross family cherishes the memories created with Helen and expresses that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness and love for her family and community will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those she touched throughout her life.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Helen Sue Cross Obituary
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- Knox News: Hurricane Helene Tennessee Flood
- Google Search: Helen Sue Cross
- Hartford Courant: Helen Marinelli Obituary
- Google Scholar: Blessed Hope Baptist Church
- Tribune Chronicle: Helen R. Ratini Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Helen Sue Cross
- Bristol 24/7: My Bristol Favourites: Helen Cole
- Google News: Helen Sue Cross
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.
