The Greenwood community is in deep mourning following the sudden death of Tavarris Cross, a beloved educator and family man from Greenwood, Grenada, Mississippi, who has left everyone reeling.
While the exact reason behind Tavarris Cross’s death hasn’t been shared publicly, the pain it has caused is impossible to ignore.
Cross, who lit up rooms with his smile and dimples, was taken too soon, and the outpouring of love shows just how much he meant to those who knew him.
Tavarris was a Dedicated Teacher at Leflore County HS, where he poured his Heart Into Every Lesson and Every Student
The school shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Tavarris Cross, a dedicated educator at Leflore County High School. His passion for teaching and his commitment to his students left a lasting impact on the school community.
Via Facebook
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and support that surrounds you.”
It’s clear from those words that Tavarris wasn’t just a teacher, he was a mentor, a motivator, and someone who made school feel like home for so many kids.
Born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Tavarris built a life full of purpose and joy.
He graduated from Mississippi Valley State University, where he not only earned his degree but also became a lifelong member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., that storied collegiate Greek-letter group founded back on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University.
As a proud Nupe, Tavarris showed the fraternity’s values of achievement through hard work and brotherly love.
He worked in the Valley store for nearly four years, during which time he turned colleagues into family.
One former coworker from MVSU shared a touching tribute:
“Doing what he did best. Live his best life… Worked in the Valley store with him for almost 4 years. He definitely was family to me. This is a hard one. To Soror Sharon and Family, I send my deepest condolences. If no one ever told me how pretty I was and to keep my head up every time he saw me or even a picture of me, he always did and always told me how proud he was of me… Definitely going to miss that smile and them dimples. Now you can rest. Love you always.”
Via Facebook
Stories like that show a man who lifted others up without even trying.
Beyond the classroom and campus, Tavarris was a rock for his own family. He was a devoted father to three wonderful children, two daughters and a son, who looked up to him like a hero.
He was also a cherished husband to Sharon, the kind of partner who made everyday life feel special.
As a friend, colleague, and neighbor in Greenwood, Tavarris had this infectious energy that drew people in.
He was the one cracking jokes at tailgates, offering a shoulder when times got tough, or just showing up with that big grin to brighten someone’s day.
It’s one of those moments of kindness, laughter, and quiet acts of support that stick with you forever.
Whether he was cheering on students at games or hanging out with his Kappa brothers, Tavarris made everyone around him feel seen and valued.
Tavarris Cross’s Death Quickly Went Viral on Social Media, with Tributes Highlighting the Gap he Left Behind
Snack’s Tees, a local spot that captured so many memories, posted old photos from just days before and wrote:
The Greenwood-Grenada MS Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., where Tavarris was a shining brother, released their own sorrowful message:
“The Greenwood-Grenada MS Alumni Chapter is with great sorrow as we mourn the passing of Beloved Brother Tavarris Cross. We keep in our hearts the memories of his infectious spirit as he brought joy to our Fraternity and everyone around. We extend our prayers to his family during this time. Brother Cross has reached the Golden Shores!”
Via Facebook
It’s poetic, that image of him crossing to those golden shores, peaceful, but way too soon for those of us still here.
Friends who shared his world have been raw and real in their grief. Desmond L. Smith posted:
I am deeply saddened to hear and see the various tributes to this man. He consistently offered insightful comments and humorously engaging remarks. His presence was truly inspirational. While he often provided witty banter, it was always in good taste. Our conversations inevitably concluded with laughter and a nod of appreciation. He was simply joking with us at the GHS Homecoming tailgate. This is one even I wasn’t prepared to see. Praying for his family and other friends. Get your rest Tavarris Cross
Via Facebook
And James E. Ellis captured the celebration of his life perfectly:
In a small town like Greenwood, losses like this hit hard; they ripple through families, schools, churches, and street corners.
Tavarris Cross’s death reminds us to hold our people a little tighter, laugh a little louder, and tell them how much they mean while we can.
He was a source of light in the Delta, and though his physical presence is gone, the warmth he spread will continue to glow in all the lives he touched.
Rest easy, Tee. The region’s got your back, just like you always had ours.
