It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Valaria “Val” Cross, 70, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. Valaria was born on December 20, 1955, in Youngstown, Ohio.

Val attended The Rayen High School. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, caring for her plants, bird watching, and playing the lottery and also watching old black and white tv shows and movies. Above all, she loved her family deeply. She also enjoyed baking specialty birthday cakes for her grandchildren, a tradition they will always remember.

Valaria dedicated over 40 years as a cook at several Valley restaurants, including Garlands BBQ, Hasty House, MVR, and CCA, before retiring from Johnny’s Food and Spirits in 2016.

She is survived by the love of her life, James C. Easton Sr.; her six children, Eliza Cross, Keela Lawrence, Charles Cross (Sharia El-Min), Lakesha Cross, and Anita Brown; and two bonus children, James “Bodi” Easton Jr. and Tami Easton.

She also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren: Louis Brown III, Dominique Brown, Marissa (Riley) Stevens, Marvin J. Redding III, Destiny Cross, Ja’zuan Cross, Charles Cross Jr., Ci'Asha Cross, Ja’ziyah Cross, Jashaya Cross, Cyra Cross, Ceraya Cross, and Chaniya Cross; and four great-grandchildren: Calvin Stevens, Aliyah Cross, Daylan Jackson, and Isla Brown.

Valaria is survived by her brother, Squire Cross Jr.; her sisters, Eliza (Robert) Warren, Elaine Cross, Maxine (Jerry) Scott, Cynthia O’Neal, and Robin Cross; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Squire and Rev. Manonlia Cross; her son, Jonathan D. Cross; her twin sister, Veronica Sanders; and her sister, Mary L. Forest. In remembering Valaria, let us celebrate her life, embrace the beauty she brought to our world, and cherish the memories we created together.

To honor her memory, there will be a Celebration of Life service held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown, with Rev. Lewis Macklin as the celebrant. After the committal ceremony, Val will rest upon the serene meadows of Belmont Park Cemetery.

The family would like to extend special thanks to The Hope Center for Cancer Care – Youngstown and Traditions Health Hospice Care for their compassionate support.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Valaria “Val” Cross elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.