Carla Cruce
Carla Cruce 60, of Union City passed away 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at her home surrounded by the love of her family and close friends.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Saturday at Lake Road Baptist Church, where she was a member. The Rev. Chip Davis officiated. Burial followed in East View Cemetery.
Visitation was held at Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Friday and at Lake Road Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until the hour of services Saturday.
Pallbearers were Aaron Hines, Jacob Lynch, Claude Billingsley, Brad Burkett, Tyler Barker, Roger Dunn, Dr. Chris Gooch and Chris Virgin. Honorary pallbearers were Bennett Kirk, Norman Davis and Lake Road Baptist Church Deacons.
Carla was born on Feb. 26, 1963, in Union City to the late John Morgan “Buddy” Sedberry Jr. and the late Martha June Harrington Sedberry. On Oct. 15, 1983, Carla married James Cruce, the love of her life with whom she shared 40 wonderful years. He survives.
Carla was known by all as a woman full of love and grace with a stronger will than most could ever hope to achieve. Carla, first and foremost, loved Jesus Christ and wanted to share the good news of redemption and salvation with everyone she encountered. The love she had for her Savior in spite of her many health issues served as an inspiration to multitudes of people. As a young child, Carla was the youngest of three siblings and by all accounts of her older brother Steve, “the typical baby of the family.” At the early age of 15, she began to battle health issues that would shape her into who she was until the very end, a ferocious fighter.
Carla loved her family fiercely and enjoyed spending time watching her sons play sports, studying the Bible, cooking and, eventually, helping care for her seven grandchildren. After helping to raise her two sons and watching them grow into families of their own, she became affectionately known as “Gigi.” From taking camping trips with James to taking her own children and grandchildren on multiple vacations, Gigi spent her last years full of love and leaves a lasting legacy of wonderful memories for her family. Gigi taught us that while things might not be perfect, “it’s not hard to look around and find someone in more need than us, so just be thankful.” Her love for God and others will serve as a template for her family and friends on how to truly live for many years to come.
Carla is also survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Morgan and Stephanie Cruce of Florence, Ala., and Bryant and Abby Cruce of Troy; seven grandchildren, Evie Sloan Cruce, Manning James Cruce and Asher Morgan Cruce, all of Florence, and Annie Beth Cruce, Charlie Belle Cruce, Julia Kate Cruce and Will Parker Cruce, all of Troy; one brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Regina Sedberry of Union City; as well as two nieces and the families of whom she loved dearly, Stephanie (Chris) Virgin and Selena (Tyler) Barker and all of their children. Carla also leaves behind many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Carla was also preceded in death by her older brother, Barry Morgan “Bo” Sedberry, as well as two unborn children that she is now reunited with in eternity.
Carla requested memorials be made to the Psalm 4:8 Foundation, c/o Natalie Huebner, 989 North Old Troy Road, Union City, TN 38261 or Lake Road Baptist Church, 1366 East Highway 22, Union City, TN 38261.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit the funeral home website at www.emfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Messenger 5.24.23