AVA- Lawanda M. Cross, 87, of Ava, IL, passed away Monday, August 31, 2015, at Breese Nursing and Rehab in Breese, Illinois. Lawanda was born August 11, 1928 in Murphysboro, Illinois the daughter of Jess Victor and Mary Brown Throop. She married Daniel E. Cross on January 30, 1947 in Ava, Illinois. He preceded her in death on September 8, 2007. Lawanda was a retired Administrative Assistant from Menard Correctional Center in Chester, Illinois. Lawanda was a member of the Baptist Faith. Lawanda is survived by two sons, Daniel (Phyllis) Cross of Breese, IL; Vernon (Vicki) Cross of Ava, IL; 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; Four brothers, Bill Throop of Murphysboro, IL; John Throop of Willisville, IL; Lester Throop of Freeburg, IL; Albert Throop of Nashville, TN. Lawanda is preceded in death by her parents and one brother. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Wilson's Funeral Home Ava, Illinois. Rev. William Stoklosa will be officiating. Burial will follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, IL. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, Illinois where friends may call from noon until 2pm. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or Donor's Choice.