Ivalee Cross-Cooper

July 9, 1921 - August 31, 2020

Ivalee Cross-Cooper, age 99, of Marion, IL, passed peacefully at 11:15 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2020, in Parkway Manor of Marion. She was born at home on Saturday, July 9, 1921, in Spillertown, IL, the daughter of Joe and Hattie Mae (Presley) Taylor. Ivalee was united in marriage to William E. “Buster” Cross on Saturday, April 23, 1938, in Missouri. Together they shared 30 years of marriage until his death came early at age 55 on Friday, June 7, 1968. To this union five children were born; Jim, Bill, Barbara, Janice and Winnona. She later was united in marriage to Harry Cooper and together they shared over 30 years of marriage until his death. Ivalee’s working career was with Midwest Brush Company located in the Ordill area west of Marion, for 18 years. For the rest of her lifetime she enjoyed being at home managing her household and seeing to the needs of her family. She was a longtime active member of Spillertown Baptist Church of Spillertown, IL, always enjoying being in church and studying the word of GOD. In her spare time she enjoyed painting by numbers, playing Uno and Bingo, working puzzles and cooking. At any of the family gatherings she was known for her wonderful cheesecake and dumplings. She loved collecting Butterflies and seemed to always have a huge smile. Her large family was a very important part of her life and always enjoyed the times they all would be together. The many memories created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind. She is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Barbara Deanne Kendall of Marion and Janice Russell-Akin and husband, Vernon of Marion; daughter-in-law, Kim Whitehead of Carrier Mills, IL; ten grandchildren, Pastor Jimmy Russell and wife, Gayla of Marion, Debbie Crompton and husband, Kevin of Marion, Robyn Kendall-Brummett and husband, Wally of Carbondale, IL, Donnie Kendall of Marion, Michelle Statler of Crainville, IL, Tonya Frick and husband, Dave of Marion, Sean Cross of Chicago, IL, Brandi Cross of Creal Springs, IL, Ashley Owen of Marion, Lynsey Ellis of Harrisburg, IL; nineteen great grandchildren, Jimmy Russell III, Brittani Saylor, Talley Saylor, Taylor Crompton, Kaleb Crompton, Kelsey Crompton, Chad Oxendine and wife, Chelsea, Brad Oxendine and wife, Crystal, Brenah Murray and husband, Aaron, Kaitlyn Cross, Amarian Owen, Jaxon Owen, Silas Jones, Maddison Ellis, Kaydence Ellis, Chelsea David, Dustin David, Dalton Frick, and Talyn Frick; nine great-great grandchildren, Zander Saylor, Reese Borders, Daxton Borders, Maddux Hill, Alana Bierman, Deacon Oxendine, Gavin Oxendine, Grant Oxendine, and Trai Stanley, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands; two sons, Jim and Bill Cross; infant daughter, Winnona Gail Cross; granddaughter, Kim Kendall; two brothers, Guy Taylor and infant Loren Taylor and two infant sisters, Evelyn and Lavell Taylor. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The time of visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation the funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. with Ivalee’s grandson, Pastor Jimmy Russell presiding. Interment will follow next to her first husband, William E. “Buster” Cross in Egyptian Memorial Gardens of Energy, IL. To leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or for additional information please call 618-993-2131. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND BY THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE ILLINOIS