Albert Leon Cross, Sr. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and, most of all, coach. Born into this world to his cherished parents, Joyce Ann Cross and Albert Williams, on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1974, he became the youngest of six and was instantly spoiled. He transitioned to be with our Father in heaven at the tender age of 49 on October 13, 2024.
Albert attended Maury High School, where he shared his passion for music with his peers and played the tuba in the band. While in high school, he started his tenure coaching children all around the city of Norfolk. Even coaching players who were just one or two years his junior. Nevertheless, he was still shown the same love and respect as his counterparts despite his young age. He graduated from Maury in the class of ’96 while still maintaining a coaching career. From there, he continued his passion for music by joining the Spartan Legion at Norfolk State University. Although his time there was short-lived, he was exceedingly fond of that time of his life.
On September 16, 2000, Albert married his high school sweetheart and the mother of his children, Evelyn Jordan, now Cross. Together, they have made four beautiful children.
In the early 2000s, he worked for Norfolk Public Schools doing bus transportation. He also worked for Jett & Company, delivering construction materials and supplies. Everyone who knew him personally knew that he loved to drive. Albert would be often referred to as the human Map Quest because he knew his way around the seven cities so well. It wasn’t shocking when he landed a job working for CHKD, picking up furniture and other goods from consumers to deliver to the CHKD Thrift Store. In his final years of life, he was a HUB driver at AutoZone, transferring and gathering auto parts.
Growing up, Albert was a diehard Washington Redskins fan. He bled burgundy and gold! No Dallas Cowboys fan was safe around him. He was bound to start up some type of argument with his rival team’s fans. You couldn’t even utter a word around him about the now Washington Commanders, nor could you speak about his beloved Maury Commodores. Even after graduating in ’96, you couldn’t pry him away from any event that was centered around Maury.
Albert spent the better part of his life dedicating his time and efforts to the youth in the community. He has coached over a hundred players and has coached a variety of ages in various organizations. His heart and soul were put into the Norfolk Knights Basketball Club, where he coached under his dear friend and overseer Frank Benett for over ten years. Together and sometimes apart, they have won numerous Parks and Recreation basketball championships as well as some AAU championships. Each child he has coached has left a mark on him and has always had a special place in his heart. He was content knowing that even if he could reach just one player on and off the basketball court or football field, his job was done. After taking a hiatus from coaching, he started coaching the Woodstock Rams flag football team, which was the last group of babies he got to mentor and teach.
Albert was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Ann Cross, and father, Albert Williams. Maternal grandparents Odell and Moses Haskins; paternal grandparents Estella and William Walker; nephew Anthony Sanderlin; two aunts, Celestine Hunter and Jacqueline Woodbury; four uncles, Leon Morris, George “Grady” Williams, Milton Walker, and Moses Morris; and cousin Jermaine Graham who he loved as if they were brothers.
Left behind to cherish sweet memories and to carry out his legacy are his wife Evelyn Cross of Virginia Beach, VA; three daughters Alicia Cross of Chesapeake, VA, Allyson Cross (Caneesha) of Newport News, VA, and Alexis Cross of Norfolk, VA; one son Albert Cross Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA; two brothers Anthony Reynolds (Debra) of Norfolk, VA and Anthony Cross of Norfolk, VA; three sisters Alvenia Williams (Toni) of Baltimore, MD, Cartillias Downing of Norfolk, Va and Pamela Cross of Newport News, VA; one grandson Dre’ko; five granddaughters Armani, Jamila, Ava, Jazelle, and Gaia. He also leaves behind two kids who held special places in his heart, Yancey and Yasmaine Parker, as well as a plethora of close family and friends.
Even though Albert only graced this Earth for an ephemeral amount of time, he lived life to the fullest and touched the hearts of many people. He was exceptionally selfless, caring, loving, and, most importantly, humble. We will forever hold on to precious memories that we’ve shared with him throughout the years. We’re going to miss the sound of your rumbustious laughter, the talks about life, the hilarious arguments about football, just everything that you were. Although we may not understand why and are suffering unimaginably, God clearly needed your huge spirit and gentle heart with him. Job well done, take your rest now.
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Brishen Green says
October 18, 2024 at 1:06 amMan you will be missed brother. I will keep your family in my prayer. RIH my brother.
Christopher Gray says
October 18, 2024 at 9:57 amR.l.H young man
Tracy Monroe says
November 15, 2024 at 11:39 amSending my love and sympathy to all who loved this great man of God. Albert was always so kind and loving towards me treated me like family and was there when I need an ear or a shoulder to cry on, your presence will be missed greatly but we rejoice in knowing that to absent from the body is to be present with the Lord 2 Corinthians 5:8
Wilma Welch says
October 20, 2024 at 3:33 pmMy sincere Condolences to you and your entire family, love you!!!
Wilma Welch and family, Norfolk Virginia says
October 20, 2024 at 3:34 pmMy sincere Condolences to you and your entire family, love you!!!
Pastor Audrea Johnson says
October 21, 2024 at 10:20 pmI’m deeply sorry for your loss. Losing a husband, father, brother, and child is an unimaginable heartbreak. Albert’s presence touched so many lives, keep the memory always in your hearts. May you find comfort in the love you shared and the beautiful moments you experienced together. Please know that you are surrounded by prayer during this difficult time. Walk of Faith Outreach Ministry Pastor Byron Johnson & Lady Elect.
Demana Rollins-Joyner says
October 23, 2024 at 6:54 pmI am so so sorry to hear of this loss. My heart hurts for my high school friends. Evelyn you and your family is in my prayers.
Monique says
October 24, 2024 at 12:51 pmMy heart is heavy with sadness for the family. May God be your source of strength during this difficult time.
Penny says
November 11, 2024 at 6:56 pmMy sincere, heartfelt condolences and prayers to All he touched. Albert you may have transitioned, but we will see you again. You touched the lives of so many, and I just wanna thank you. Take Your Rest In The Heavens Above my friend. Gone (too soon) but never forgotten.
Sharon Johnson NC says
November 14, 2024 at 6:17 pmRIP my friend you will be deeply missed
Michelle Logan says
November 17, 2024 at 6:53 pmMy heartfelt condolences to the family of my dear friend, who I also called my birthday twin. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Christopher Robinson says
November 18, 2024 at 11:00 amI send my condolences to all of Albert’s family. I know a lot them my not know/remember me I move away shortly after H.S. But Albert was always a good friend. And he will be always remembered. And again my heart go’s out to Ms Joyce I send my condolences
Victoria says
November 19, 2024 at 3:34 pmWe miss you down here coach! You will never be forgotten. The influence you had on Zayne on and off the field is immeasurable. Thank you for your wisdom and support. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Evelyn his children, family, and friends. God is near and dear to the broken hearted. Well done sir….