Amelda Yvonne (Cross) Glenn-Hannah

OBITUARY

For the Late

Amelda Yvonne Cross Glenn-Hannah

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger,and you invited me in." (Matthew 25:35)

Amelda Yvonne Cross Glenn-Hannah was born on January 12, 1945, to the Late Henrietta and K.P Cross, Sr., in Cleveland, Mississippi. She departed this life on December 19, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. 

“Von,” as she was affectionally called, began her spiritual journey at an early age. She was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, the church that family members helped found in 1885. She led a servant life and epitomized the principles of charity and service, and was known as a TRUE CHAMPION OF PEOPLE.  

Von was a part of two inaugural classes: the first (1st) grade class at H.M. Nailor Elementary School in 1951 and the seventh (7th) grade class at East Side High School in 1957, where she graduated in 1963. While in high school, she sang in the choir, was a majorette, and played girls’ basketball. According to folklore, Yvonne was the 1st girls’ basketball player in East Side High School history to shoot a jump shot. 

In 1963, Von moved to Chicago, IL, and married the late Odell Glenn, Sr. To this union, three children were born Jaime Darryl, Angela Michelle, and Odell Glenn, Jr. While in Chicago; shebegan her longstanding work career in civil service with the United States Postal Service and Housing and Urban Development. Following that, she worked for 20 years with the Veteran’s Administration of Chicago. Yvonne served as a regional liaison for civil service workers representing the interest of the Chicago-based federal employees and the national office in Washington, D.C. 

In July 1976, Von married the late Milton Hannah, and one son, Kevin, was born into this union.  

Von pursued her college degrees at Mississippi Valley State College in Itta, MS, and completed her bachelor’s degree at Harold Washington College in Chicago, IL. Realizing another chapter in her life, she returned home to Cleveland, MS, and was hired as the first property manager of the A.M.E. Homes, now known as Sunset Village Apartments. She assisted sharecroppers with finding affordable housing in the Cleveland area. She later became the Chairperson of the Bolivar County Elections Commission. 

In Her Own Words

“I was appointed by my supervisor, James McBride.  At first, I didn’t know if I wanted to be on the election commission, but the more I learned about it and got involved, the more I liked it.The main job of the chairperson is to oversee the commission’s operations and handle the day-to-day routines.  I learned a lot from David Washington, the previous chair, and I knew we all wanted to make him proud of our job.  Another important responsibility I had, was communicating with the public and assuring them that everything we did was above board. It was a serious job, but it’s also much fun; we all enjoyed what we did.”      

Von leaves a large family and community to cherish her memories one sister, Alice M. Gandy (Arlington, TX); twobrothers, Bob Cross (Edna) (Frankfort, IL) and William Cross (Norristown, PA); one daughter, Angela Michelle (Cleveland, MS), three sons, Jaime Darryl (Gail) (Memphis, TN), Odell Glenn, Jr. (Mary) (Southaven, MS), Kevin E. Hannah (Memphis, TN), and Calvin Davis (Bonus Son).  Eight granddaughters: LaKeisha D. Glenn (Cleveland, MS), Traci L. Glenn (Concord, MA), Krystena L. Beasley (Gary, IN), Jessica R. Glenn (Riverdale, IL), Brianna M. Glenn (Jackson, MS), Hermica M. Alalade (Nashville, TN), Dr. Monica S. Buckner (Chicago, IL) Jami D. Glenn (Boston, MA), Tyra & Kyra Hannah (Dolton, IL).  Three grandsons: Andre D. Howard (Chicago, IL), Allan D. Howard (Chicago, IL), Ashere Hannah (Chicago, IL), Tevin O. Hamilton (Nashville, TN). And 15 great-grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by ten brothers (K.P. Jr, Lee, Earl, Wardell, Freddie, Othello, Audley, Clyde, Tommie C, Edward, and Donald C. Reed) and two sisters, Mary Lee Dillard and Mary Nans Harris-Benton. 

The Irony of Life

Von lived most of her life at 1027 Johnson Street in Cleveland, MS; ironically, she transitioned to her heavenly life at 10:27 a.m.