In Memoriam
Debra K. "Sam" McLean
Debra K. "Sam" Cross-McLean
Class of 1957
 

The Virginian-Pilot, (Norfolk, Va) March 3, 2009

PORTSMOUTH - Debra K. "Sam" McLean, 69, of the 4700 block of Race St., died Feb. 26, 2009. Born in Durham, N.C., the daughter of Fletcher Cross and Mary Cross Neave. Sam grew up in Cradock section of Portsmouth, graduating from Cradock High School. She retired from the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority after many years of service.

A son, Douglas Jones, daughter-in-law Rhonda, grandsons, Justin and Morgan and a niece, Ann Byrne survive Sam. A sister, Sarah Patton, preceded her in death. Her good friend, Alma White and longtime companion, Joseph Lafurno, will fondly remember her. The family would like to thank her caregiver with Heartland Hospice, Lisa Naperala and Bayside Health Care for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday in Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, with the Rev. E.L. Trueblood officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, 600 Children's Way, Norfolk, VA, 23507.
 

I read with sorrow today of the death of Debra K. “Sam” McLean, our classmate. We knew her as Kay Cross. Hers was a vibrant and outgoing personality. She was a larger than life presence in her long time job with The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and with the many friends and acquaintances, she made in life. She was a pleasure to know. It is sad to read of her death.
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