It is with heavy but loving hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Jeanette Louise Cross, 96, on Monday, July 25, 2022. Jeanette was an 8-year resident at Westminister Canterbury Richmond, most recently at Parsons Health Care where the entire staff lovingly administered to her health and her spirit. We are especially grateful to orderly Rodney, nurses Amber and Crystal, activity coordinator Kendra as well as Dr. Reed, among many.
Jeanette had three children: Timothy (Betty) of West Point, VA, Christopher (Bronwyn) of Richmond, VA and John (Beverly) of Wilmington, NC. In addition, she had five grandchildren: David, Mark, Eric, Grant and Alecsys and two great-grandchildren: Owen and Lucas.
Jeanette was born on March 21, 1926, in Portsmouth, Virginia to Edward Taylor and Jeanette Bensten Cross. She had three older brothers: Edward, James and Albert. Together all four Cross children, part of the greatest American generation, volunteered for military duties and served the country during World War II.
Jeanette graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth and was an active member and choral standout at Monumental Methodist Church. Jeanette and her great mezzo-soprano voice went on to study and graduate from The Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore, MD (now a part of Johns Hopkins University). While there Jeanette met Denis Brown, a violin student from Jamaica, West Indies. Following their graduation Jeanette and Denis moved to London, England where Denis continued his violin studies at the Royal College of Music.
Rather than pursue an awaiting vocal career in New York, Jeanette married Denis in London and started a family there. While there she stayed active in the music community and performed with various choral groups as well as solo orchestral and operatic performances with the London Philharmonia and Philharmonic throughout post-war Europe.
Jeanette and Denis later moved to Jamaica where she taught voice at the Jamaica School of Music as well as frequently performing in operatic and German Lieder performances. She was often cited by the famous German composer Hermann Reutter as one of the most powerful and outstanding voices to sing lieder. In fact, at a concert at the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg, VA she shattered the crystals on the ballroom chandelier with her high C—a feat that was documented in the Virginian Pilot at the time (1960’s).
Following political upheaval in Jamaica in the 1970’s the family moved to Richmond. There Jeanette continued her vocal endeavors. On the teaching staff at Virginia Commonwealth University, performances with the Richmond Symphony, solo and ensemble concerts throughout the area. She also ran a private voice studio in various venues around the city as well as in Washington, DC. Jeanette stayed true to her calling and was admired by many as a demanding, but compassionate voice instructor.
Despite her busy music career, Jeanette was a devoted and loving mother, a marvelous cook and had a wry sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her family as well as the many musicians, students and community members she interacted with and enjoyed life with, over her many years.
Mom, we have had the opportunity to enjoy you and your many talents for a long time. Your light will shine in us for the rest of our lives.
