Swansboro- Mary Romer Cross Nance, 85, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025. She was born April 12, 1940 in North Brunswick, NJ to Margaret Romer and James Louisa and was later the stepdaughter of Richard Bloomell.

Mary lived with her beloved grandparents in her early years surrounded by her many aunts & uncles who helped raise her. Her mother and stepfather later moved her to Hightstown, NJ where she met and married Charles F. Cross who brought her to Swansboro, NC where she graduated from Swansboro High School in 1958.

Mary worked at the Swansboro Garment Factory from 1968 to 1976 and then Swansboro Clothing Store in 1977. She also worked as a waitress at the Islander Restaurant part time. Mary started working at Jacksonville Orthopedic Clinic in 1978 and after 32 years she retired in 2010.

Mary spent many years volunteering in the local community. She was a Cub Scout den mother as well as a Softball Coach to many young girls at Sanders Park and with many other locals, she was instrumental in the development of Sanders Park. She was a member of the ABWA and was named the 1983 Woman of the Year for the Port Swannsborough Chapter. Mary was also a lifetime member of the Women of the Moose. Mary loved to spend time with her family and many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Jones Funeral Home in Swansboro with Elder Samuel McArthur officiating. The family will receive friends one half hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

She is survived by her son Charles F. Cross, Jr. (Virginia) and daughters, Jane Watkins (Cecil Jordan) and Joan Cross, all of Swansboro; grandchildren, Jacob Morton (Anna), Lauren Cross (Chris), Nicole Casteen (Kody), 1LT Charles Watkins, III (Karen), and Alex York (Travis); and five great granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Romer; first husband, Charles F. Cross and second husband, Louis "Lou" Edward Nance.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Onslow County Animal Services, 244 Georgetown Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540