Melba Perry

Melba Sue Perry, 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Cleveland, Tennessee, on August 17, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Before retiring, she worked at Mars, Inc., where she took pride in her job and built many lasting friendships.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Ava Hall; her first husband and the father of her children, Pledger Cross; her second husband, Robert Perry; and her siblings JC Hall, Edith Mowery, Reba Green, Ruby Johnson, Maggie Marler, Hoyt Hall, Cecil Hall, Marie Henderson, and Lester Hall; daughter-in-law Charlotte Cross, and stepson Bobby Perry.

Melba is survived by her children: Ronnie Cross; Becky Greene; Ellie Cantrell (Mike); and Connie Torbett (Robert); as well as step-daughters Donna Ellis (Dennis), all of Cleveland, and Connie Hendrix (John) of Knoxville.

She was a proud grandmother to Celeste Dixon (Matt), Josh Cross (Leslie), William Martin (Stephanie), Sheena Cantrell, Jaimee Bettis (Wade), Sasha Smith (Harrison), Natalie Knight (Michael), all of Cleveland, and Sara Torbett (Theresa) of Madison, WI. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who brought her so much joy.

She shared a special bond with her Shih Tzu, Paris, who was a loyal and comforting companion. Melba also treasured her lifelong friendship with Audrey Dixon, her beloved niece Betty Phillips, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

At Melba's request, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause that was close to Melba's heart.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Melba or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Cross family with these arrangements.