Mrs. Elouise Cross was born on June 19, 1952, in Tampa, Florida, to Walter and Aserlean Waltower. A proud graduate of Middleton High School, class of 1970, Elouise went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Florida in 1974. Elouise devoted nearly 30 years to shaping young minds within Hillsborough County Schools, ultimately retiring from her beloved Belle Witter Elementary in Tampa. Though she achieved much throughout her career, she considered her most meaningful roles to be that of mother, wife, and teacher. Deeply committed to her community, she gave her time and heart to Meals on Wheels, ensuring care and comfort reached those who needed it most. Elouise found joy in cooking, traveling, watching reality shows, and diving into family genealogy—researching, "Googling," and uncovering the stories of those who came before her. She will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth, selflessness, humor, and thoughtful spirit. Elouise touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Aserlean Waltower; grandmother, Carrie Bell King; sisters-in-law, Jackie Cross, and Loretta Williams; brother, Walter "Dickie" Waltower, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Shelly Cross, and Kenny Cross; and mother-in-law, Blanche Cross.

She leaves cherished memories to her husband, Gary D. Cross, Sr.; son, Gary D. Cross, Jr. (Tampa, FL); daughter, Genelle D. Cross (Tampa, FL); brother, Carl "Ice Cream" Waltower (Tampa, FL); sisters, Gloria Jean Barnum and Carol "Meme" Wells; nieces, Angelica Davis, Tomeka Kinsey (Ronald), Kim Carter, Tammie Fowler, Natarsha Robinson, Tracy Robinson, Kenia Carter (Reggie), Carla Stennett, Carla Waltower, Shellina Watkins, Sierra McGriffin, Christina McKay (Zachary), Brianna Williams and a host of grand and great-grandnieces; nephews, Patrick Carter, Luther Barnum (Collette), Barrington Whyte, Jerry Robinson (YuVonka) Todd Wilson (Carletta), Carliss Stennett, Andrew Robinson, Michael Moore, Warren Williams and a host of grand and great-grandnephews; sisters-in-law, Billie L Stennett, Rebecca Rose Robinson, and Deborah Cross Williams; along with Marjorie and Curley Day, Rowena Campbell, Gilda Bruton, Caroline Robinson, Kay Hall Hollis, Jackie Banks, Lavetrice Wilson and an endless list of devoted, and loving friends and loved colleagues.