Florence Fern Chambliss

Florence Fern (Cross) Chambliss, 105, passed peacefully away in her home Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005. She was surrounded by love and loved ones.

She was born Aug. 6, 1900, in Villa Ridge to the late Andrew and Mildred (Owens) Cross and was a lifelong resident of Pulaski County. Also, both of her parents were born in Pulaski County in the late 1860s.

In 1940, she married the late Hugo Chambliss. They lived in Mounds until he passed in 1971. She then returned to the family farm in Villa Ridge.

Mrs. Chambliss was a businesswoman and worked in her husband’s real estate company until 1997. She was active in civic, fraternal, political and educational activities and was a member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mounds. She held many offices in the church and civic organizations. She was a joy to all who met her. Her knowledge of the history of Southern Illinois and growing up in the 1900s was vast.

Family and friends never tired of hearing her tell about the days before cars, electricity, and running water were common amenities. She celebrated her 105th birthday with three different parties with family and friends. Mrs. Chambliss was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and for the past five years received souvenirs and mementos from the Cardinals’ organization. She was proud of the fact that on her 100th birthday, she was still doing her daily regiment of exercises which included 400 leg lifts. Although she was blind for the past four years, she subscribed to The Southern Illinoisan, Cairo Evening Citizen and several magazines, and her caregivers read to her daily. Her life was enriched by her philanthropic activities that spanned her family, church and community.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted nephew and nieces, George and Althea Cross, Florence Jones, Christel Butler, Molly and Bill Norwood, Merelyn Cross, Frances Cross, Flora Chambliss and Geraldine Trammel; her goddaughter, Gena Cross Burroughs; and four generations of great nieces and nephews; cousins, an extended family circle, neighbors, caregivers and many friends.

Services will be at noon Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, in Massie Funeral Home, 429 Oakley Lane in Mounds. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon. Interment will be in Green Lawn Cemetery in Villa Ridge immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul AME Church Trustee Board, P.O. Box 261, Mounds, IL 62964.Services are entrusted to Massie Funeral Home with the Rev. Mae Ella Williams of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church officiating.