Denise Cross

Denise Ann Cross, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away March 14, 2025. Born on October 25, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois. Denise was the daughter of the late Shirley Holt and Ralph Pope, with the loving guidance of her bonus father, Delmar Woods. Raised on the North Side of Chicago alongside her sisters, Vicky Holt and Nicole Woods, Denise was a proud graduate of Lane Tech High School. She went on to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in 1999. Throughout her life, she cherished the friendships she made at Lane Tech and UIC, maintaining close bonds with those she met along the way. In 1998, Denise began an internship at Lucent Technologies, securing a full-time position in 1999. She dedicated many years to Lucent, forming lasting friendships that enriched her life. A woman of deep faith, Denise joined the Chicago Church of Christ in 1999, where she was a member of the Total Praise choir. Her unwavering faith provided strength throughout her courageous battle with cancer and helped her foster lifelong friendships within the church community. Denise met and married her love, Darren D. Cross, in 2003. Through their union, she embraced three bonus children—Jasmine, Latrice, and Darren Jr.—and together, they welcomed their daughter, Victoria (Valen), completing their beautiful family. Denise had a passion for life, evident in her love for the Lord, house music, neo soul R&B, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore Greece, Europe, and Africa, creating unforgettable memories along the way. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving ex-husband, Darren D. Cross; children, Jasmine Cross (Deandre Farley), Latrice Cross (Lance Praylor), Darren D. Cross Jr., and Victoria (Valen) Elizabeth Cross; and adored grandchildren, Elijah Cross, Nikolas Cross, Cameron Cross, Jaden Farley, and Ethan Farley. She is also survived by her sisters, Vicky Holt and Nicole Woods (Britten Bolhar); sister-in love, Louise Dykes; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her niece, Morenike Kelly. ” Denise’s presence, love, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched.

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