Obituary: Lois M. Cross Presley, 86, Of Hatboro

Obituary and photo submitted by family.

HATBORO, PA — On Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, Lois M. Cross Presley, of Hatboro, PA, peacefully departed and began her journey into eternal life at age 86. She was born the third of six children to the late Julius Armstrong and the late Pearl Armstrong.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Robert Lee Cross, of Savannah, GA, with whom she has three children; Vann Marks, Al Cross, and Kimberley Alexander. She presently was married to Jimmy Ray Presley of Texas more than 25 years.

Lois led a full God-centered life through which she was a lifelong learner and a willful vessel of love, grace, and mercy. As God’s servant, she shared the good news of Christ everywhere she went.

She was always willing to teach and mentor along the way, often sharing her favorite scripture, Psalm 91. Lois was a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church for more than 26 years. She was very active at her former church serving on the Trustee and Deaconess Boards. After moving to Hatboro, she joined McKinley Memorial Baptist Church where she was a proud, energetic, and faithful member for more than 25 years.

She served as President of McKinley’s Deaconess Board for multiple years and continued serving as a member. She also became involved with the Women’s Ministry immediately after joining and she served as Chairwoman multiple times. She has also served as chaplain for the group. She was honored by the McKinley Deacon Board and the Women's Ministry as an example of "Women Who Persevered."

Lois served in many roles including Sunday School instructor, Vacation Bible School teacher, and proudly worked in the church kitchen, lending recipes to McKinley’s self-published, "Favorites from Our Table" cookbook editions. Her friends and family have many fond memories of her delicious sweet potato pies.

Her strong adoration and passion of biblical studies prompted her to initiate a Wednesday Bible Study and prayer group at church. In addition, she was an original member of Antioch Baptist Church's Women’s Bible Study Group, which has continued more than 21 years. Lois continued her religious studies in "The Art of Ministry" at Nazarene Bible College as well as studies at Grace Bible College.

She was a recent student at Grand Canyon University, nominated for membership in its chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and where she was featured in their 2019 student magazin series titled, "Octogenarians Who Prove You’re Never Too Old to Keep Learning."

Upon obtaining her real estate license, Lois mentored clients on financial planning and co-founded Able Mortgage Group, which matched affordable mortgages and housing to low- and moderate-income families. Through this partnership she became affiliated with the Willow Grove Redevelopment Authority. After 26 years of service to the community, she was granted the title of member emeritus.

A pillar of the community, Lois also served as a Crossing Guard and received many awards and certificates of appreciation from the Hatboro Police Department for her extraordinary acts of kindness and dedication to duty for over ten years.

Lois is survived by two brothers, Fred Julius Armstrong and Slayton (Pearlie Mae) Armstrong as well as her three children, Vann, Al and Kimberley. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Cassandra (Kenneth), Brandalyn, Kristine, Adrienne (John), and Charlene; eight great-grandchildren, Jasmyn, Markelle, Dayshawn, Kamille, Etwynae, Kiara, Nehemiah, and Joelle; and one great great-grandchild, Zayne, all of whom affectionately knew her as "Mom Momp."

She also leaves a wonderful host of nieces and nephews throughout the country as well as extended family and cherished friends.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the many caregivers, in-patient and outpatient, that assisted with the health management of our beloved matriarch. We would also like to thank everyone for the many acts and expressions of kindness, love, and sympathy during our time of bereavement. A private memorial service will be held at McKinley Memorial Baptist Church.