Kecia Cross
East Saint Louis | Save
Kecia “Dottie” Cross, 78, of East St. Louis, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on May 10, 2026.
Born on December 3, 1947, in Forrest City, Kecia was the beloved daughter of the late Hester Jackson and Alberta Coleman Jackson. At an early age, she was baptized and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, carrying her faith and love for God throughout her life.
Kecia was a woman of elegance, ambition, resilience, and undeniable grace. She was admired for her vibrant spirit, truthful nature, warm heart, and unforgettable laughter. Known for always keeping it real, she became a trusted listener, confidante, and source of encouragement to many throughout her life.
Throughout the years, Kecia pursued many passions and careers. She worked as an archaeology field assistant and museum technician connected to the excavation efforts surrounding Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, as well as a realtor/broker, entrepreneur, caterer, and model, carrying herself with confidence, beauty, and sophistication wherever she went. Her creativity, wisdom, and strong presence left lasting impressions on everyone blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Othell Cross; her son, DeLawrence Duncan; her parents, Hester and Alberta Jackson; and her siblings William Jackson, Robert Jackson, Luberta Jackson, Edward Jackson, Herman Jackson, James Jackson, Clyde Jackson, Odell Jackson, Renice Wright, and Geneva Brooks.
Kecia leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughters, Anna (Lemont) Clark and Sherrie (Lee) Halbert; her beloved stepchildren, Russell (Sandi) Cross and Yvette (Benjamin) Pete; grandchildren Necia (Charles) Williams, Baron Halbert, Eric Halbert, Andrea Cole, Makayla Cole, Iyana Smith, and Lemiya Clark; and great-grandchildren Neveah, Nehemiah, Leroy, Neriah, Adriel, Neziah, Noa Leiya, Theo, Liylah, Nasir, Aniyah, Na'Zareth, and Amiyah.
She is also survived by her sisters Bernice and Dorothy Mae, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by her love, wisdom, kindness, and beautiful spirit.
Kecia’s legacy of faith, love, laughter, beauty, and resilience will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
Family visitation will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9:30 AM with memorial services beginning at 11:00 AM at Kassly Mortuary Ltd.
Interment immediately following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Repast to follow at 3:00 PM at Luxury Events Venue.
Kassly Mortuary, Ltd.
