Accessible. Responsive. Kind.
That's how I will remember my former colleague on City Council, Joan W. Cross, who passed away yesterday. We certainly mourn the loss of this wonderful woman who did so much for our community. Her voice will not only be missed from the dais in City Council chambers, but at the civic association meetings, band concerts and other places around town where she was always a presence.
In fact, what I will remember most about Joan is that not only did she know her constituents well - and responded to their needs - but it was the way she did it. With grace, with class and that Midwest smile and gentle nature.
I will miss my colleague and friend, Joan, as will I know others in the community will. My condolences go out to her husband Ron, children and grandchildren. I ask that you keep all them in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult period.
While this is a loss we mourn, let us also remember the many wonderful things she did for her City of Fairfax. As you may already know, Joan has left quite a legacy of accomplishments - as a Council member, a wife, a mother and a grandmother. It was a life that was authentic and reflected how to live to the fullest. It was a life well-lived.
Ever since she got to Fairfax, she put her energy and skills to work for the betterment of the community. The City's focus on tourism and marketing and promoting the City is a testament to her leadership, particularly as a founding member of Destination Fairfax. She was a great supporter of the arts, serving on the City of Fairfax Band and serving on the Board of Mason's Theater of the First Amendment. Some of my fondest memories are serving ice cream with her at the Children's Concert and talking about the arts impact on children's lives.
People know her, too, for her steadfast devotion to helping small businesses. Serving on the Central of Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Joan had a passion for ensuring their voice was heard - and that their businesses were successful.
Joan will be remembered most though for her thoughtfulness and kindness. As I mentioned in an earlier post when she resigned from Council, I always will remember how she cared enough to ask about my family.
Putting others before self and being of service to all - that's how I will remember my colleague and friend. Godspeed, Joan. You'll be missed.
Below is an obituary that is on the City website.
Services are being arranged and will be announced.
Joan W. Cross (née Weaver), former Councilmember for the City of Fairfax, passed away Thursday, July 21. The city mourns her passing.
Mrs. Cross was a native of Wapello, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, where she earned a B.A. degree in journalism and public relations.
She moved to Fairfax in the early 1990s and quickly became active in both the business community and her neighborhood. She served on the board of directors for the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfax Rotary Club. She also helped found and was chair of Destination Fairfax, a partnership between the city and local businesses to increase tourism in the city. She was named the 2004 Small Business Advocate of the Year by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and, in 1997, she received the chamber's Athena Award. For the community, she served on the city's Board of Architectural Review for 10 years and chaired the board for three terms. She co-chaired the city's Independence Day Celebration Committee for two years.
Even after she retired as marketing director for the CPA firm Burdette Smith Group, P.C, Mrs. Cross continued to be an active member of the business community. She remained active in the community, continuing to serve on the boards of the George Mason University Theatre of the First Amendment and the City of Fairfax Band.
Mrs. Cross was elected to the City of Fairfax City Council in 2002, and is the longest serving woman councilmember to date. During her tenure on the City Council, she served as the city's representative on a number of regional boards and commissions, including the Potomac Watershed Roundtable and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission..
Mrs. Cross is survived by her husband of 19 years, Ron; three sons; and five granddaughters.
Final arrangements will be announced by the family in the near future.
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