Linda Sue Nolen Cross, 78, of Ruffin, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at UNC Rockingham Nursing Center.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Draper at 2 pm on Monday, April 6, 2026. Interment will follow at Happy Home Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 pm on Monday at the church before the service and other times at the residence.

Linda was born in Draper on March 17, 1948, to Lucille Morrison Nolen and Wayne Hopkins Nolen, both deceased.  She was a graduate of Morehead High School and Appalachian State University. Linda taught in elementary and intermediate schools for Rockingham County for 34 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Draper where she served as a Sunday School teacher for the Cradle Roll Class and also a leader in Awanas. Linda was also member of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of NC Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Kenneth Wayne Nolen.

Linda is survived by her husband of 52 years, Thomas Michael Cross of the home; her sister, Rose Mary Nolen of Eden; her sisters-in-law, Linda Kay Cross, Brenda Kay Nolen; her brother-in-law, William Ray Cross; her niece, Carol Ann Johnson (Mark); her nephews, James E Nolen (Parmer) and Mark A Nolen; her great nephew, Jeremiah C. Johnson; and her friends, Andrea Edwards, Judy Worsham, Teresa Johnson; and special friend, Vickie Jones of Beaufort NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church of Draper 1017 Fieldcrest Rd, Eden, Nc, 27288 or Ancora Compassionate Care PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC, 27375.

Boone & Cooke, Inc. Funeral Home is serving the family.