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Martha Jean Shattles Cross, 81, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Monday, September 21, 2020.

A private graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Brinson Cemetery with Rev. David Grubbs officiating. Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending are asked to maintain the recommended safe social distancing of six feet and/or wear protective masks in accordance with the State of Georgia guidelines.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1577 Northeast Expressway, Suite A, Atlanta, Ga. 30329 or American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Martha Jean Shattles was born May 19, 1939 in Shellman, Ga., the daughter of Eugene and Iva Bell Banks Shattles. She moved to Decatur County in the early 50s and married her love, Charlie B Cross. Together they built a home where most anyone was welcome. Martha was a member of Southwest Baptist Church.

“MawMaw”, as she was known to generations of children, spent forty-plus years being a huge part of the village that helped folks “get grown”. She loved unconditionally and taught life lessons right in her humble home. Martha could cook most anything but served homemade soup, chicken & rice, coconut pies, biscuits and her famous cheese grits to those she welcomed to her table. She enjoyed canning vegetables and making all sorts of jellies then sharing with family and friends. “MawMaw” wasn’t just the lady who kept kids or made good cheese grits, she was also the one cheering on scores of young people at the ball fields. Her legacy of love will live on through the memories of those she cared for.

Survivors include her children, Diane Atkinson of Bainbridge, Sue & Kenny Sandlin of Brinson, Ga., Charlie B, Jr. & Vickie Cross of Colquitt, Ga., and Wayne Gause of Bainbridge; her grandchildren, Corey & Brandi, Amanda & Eric, Amber & Darren, Brittany & Kyle, Mia, Brandon & Samantha, and Bill & Jody; her great-grandchildren, Maloree, Graham, Lilly, Caroline, Layton, Jon Michael, Isabelle, Avery, and Wyatt; and her siblings, Tommy & Arline Shattles, Charle & Joyce Shattles, Wayne Shattles, Floyd & Cheryl Shattles, Jeff & Nancy Shattles, Doris & Don Griffin, Dorothy Sellers, and Mary Kathie & Danny Jenkins; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie B Cross, Sr.; her daughter, Gail Gause; and two brothers, Douglas Shattles and an infant.