Eleanor Calley Cross

Eleanor Calley Story Cross, 96, of Augusta, GA, went to be with her Lord on August 6, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

Affectionately named “Sweetie” by her father, she was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on August 19, 1925, to Francis and Eunice Calley. She was raised in Huntington, WV, and went on to graduate from Agnes Scott College in Atlanta where she met and married Stacy “Pete” Story of Atlanta. After his medical training, they moved to Valdosta, GA, in 1956 where they raised their four children. After Pete’s untimely death in 1969, she married a longtime friend, George Cross, and moved to Covington, LA where they lived for 35 years until Hurricane Katrina forced them to relocate to Augusta to be near family in 2006. Once again, she had the joy of establishing new friendships and finding a church home at First Presbyterian where she served in numerous women groups. Upon the death of her second husband, George, and after several years, she reconnected with her college sweetheart, “Buddy” Waldkirch. She relocated to Wilmington, NC, where they lived for several years until his death. Returning to Augusta in 2018, she lived the remainder of her life loving family, enjoying friends, and serving in her church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Eva Jarrell of Milwaukee, WI, her three husbands, her grandson Stacy Hammond Story IV, and stepdaughter Louise Cross Kelbaugh, and step daughter-in-law Ann Haden Cross. She is survived by her children, Stacy “Chip” Story (Nancy) of Augusta, Stephen Story (Robyn) of Tampa, Michael Story (Susan) of Durham, NC, Ellen Story Ashe (Steve) of Evans, GA, and stepson Bill Cross (Spencer) of Lynchburg, VA. Grandchildren include Brent Story (DeeDee), Atlanta, Stephen Story (Tanya), Tampa, Jessica Nance (Josh), Apex, NC, Emily Story (Ravi), High Point, NC, Caro Ashe Plunkett (Richard), Augusta, Evan Ashe, Seattle, WA, and Haden Cross, Arlington, VA. Great-grandchildren include Jack and Lily Story, Atlanta; Beckett, Mary Charlotte, Maddox, Bailey Catherine Plunkett, Augusta; Madison, Aspen, Brynn Story, Tampa, FL., and Rebecca and Stacy Story, Knoxville, TN., and Johny, Calley, Cate Nance, Apex, NC.

Special thanks to caregivers Leon Lewis, Diane Johnson, Irma Jean Green, Renee Parks, and Linda Blackmon. Home health nurses and therapists Amy Kilpatrick, Kim Grice, and Wanda Taylor for their care and devotion.

Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 642 Telfair St., Augusta, GA 30901; Christ Community Health, 127 Telfair St., Augusta, GA 30901; Heritage Academy, 333 Greene St., Augusta, 30901, or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service to celebrate God’s faithfulness will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, in the First Presbyterian Church sanctuary at 2pm with Reverend Michael Hearon and James Knight officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service in the fellowship hall adjoining the sanctuary at 1pm. Internment at Summerville Cemetery to be private.