Brenda Vincent Cross

Obituary For Brenda Vincent Cross

Dr. Brenda – Her Life and Her Light –

Dr. Brenda Louise Vincent Cross, 79, born in Talladega, Ala., on November 21, 1945, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at her home in Matteson, IL. At Brenda's side during her last hours were her husband of 58-plus years, Dr. James Cross, and sons Beniquez and John. Adored by many, Brenda is the second oldest of eight children born to the late Mr. J. C. and Mrs. Lula B. Millender Vincent.

Brenda was a jewel to all who knew and loved her - and even sometimes complete strangers because she interacted with new acquaintances with the same sparkle, caring, and sense of helpfulness! She was an avid reader with a massive collection of books, a lover of word games and word puzzles, and a long-time caretaker for her husband. She effortlessly dedicated her life to making others comfortable, happy, and aware of her heavenly Father. She didn't just have a Prayer List, Brenda had a Prayer Book as well as a Prayer Room in her home! A champion for justice, civil, and human rights, Brenda was featured in the 1980's PBS documentary titled: Making Sense of the Sixties.

A beloved Child of God, Brenda accepted Christ at an early age when she was baptized as a member of the Mt. Cleveland Baptist Church in Talladega. Brenda was a 1964 graduate of Westside High School, in Talladega, AL. She entered Talladega College in the fall of 1964 and graduated in 1968. She went on to earn a master’s degree at Longwood University (Farmville, VA) and a Ph.D. from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, OH. Additionally, Dr. Brenda, a life-long learner and a true disciple, completed further studies at the Samuel V. Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA. She held a License to Preach from the Detroit Conference United Methodist Local Pastor School.

In November 1966, Brenda married the love of her life and high school sweetheart -James Cross. Over the nearly 59 years of their marriage, they lived in Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois.

Never one to rest on her laurels or accomplishments (or rest much at all), Brenda enjoyed many “careers” and held several different positions in Corporate America and at institutions of higher learning. On top of years of full-time work, this unselfish community servant volunteered for many, many civic, service, and organizational duties. Brenda could also frequently be seen voluntarily keeping her early morning walking paths litter-free.

When Brenda served – she went beyond the call of duty. She exceeded expectations. She set the bar high for any inspired by her. Her listing of beloved organizations included Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Golden Life Member); the Chicago Chapter of Talladega College Alumni Association (served as president for a while); the Consortium of Doctors (served as secretary). Additionally, she served as a deaconess at her church in Tinley Park, IL (Faith Christian Reformed Church). Her contributions to these organizations/institutions and to her community will be long remembered because of her volunteer spirit, her dedication, and her cheerful presence.

Preceded in death by brothers Jay Cee and Milton, and nephew Untavius LaDonte Vincent, this dear sweet, witty, wise wife, mother, sister, cousin, auntie leaves behind to cherish her memories and beautiful smile, husband James, sons Ben of Oakland, CA and John of San Francisco. She also leaves siblings - two sisters - Regina (James) Vincent-Williams of Fremont, OH; Carol Ann Vincent, Talladega; brothers Calvin (Shirley) Vincent of Macon, GA; Jerry (Rose) Vincent of Birmingham, AL; Rogers (Anne) Vincent of Memphis, TN; close relatives Carolyn and Rudolph Anderson, Country Club Hills, IL; long-time friends Joe and Lucille Cooper, and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces/nephews, and cousins, cousins, cousins!

In Brenda’s self-written obituary, she acknowledged in addition to her beloved family, others who loved, admired, and appreciated Brenda included very dear friends, coworkers from AT&T, KKIQ Radio (CA), Longwood University (VA), Soumi College (Findlay, MI), Matteson Homewood School District, and prayer warriors from her church in Tinley Park and from her faithful, dutiful Jesus Calling Sisters Prayer Team.”

Services

Memorial Service

Oct

11

Millender Cemetery

3451 Barclay Road
Alpine, AL 35014

12:00 PM

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