HSC remembers Dr. Deanna Cross

[Link]Dr. Deanna Cross, a distinguished faculty member at The University of North Texas Health Science Center, passed away on July 16, 2024, at her home in Fort Worth. She was 53.

Cross served as faculty in HSC's departments of Physician Assistant Studies in the School of Health Professions and department of Molecular and Medical Genetics (now Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics)in the School of Biomedical Sciences.

She dedicated her career to translating genetic and genomic advances into patient care. Her work included implementing family health history tools to enhance patient care and developing resources to explain genetic and genomic advances to diverse patient populations. She was particularly passionate about identifying and eliminating barriers to the implementation of genetic and genomic medicine in traditionally underrepresented groups in genomic research and medical testing.

"As a scientist Deanna was intelligent, hard-working, and highly capable. She was also incredibly kind, down-to-earth, and quite funny," said Dr. Michael Allen, professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics in HSC's School of Biomedical Sciences.

"It was always a pleasure to work with her because you knew that the work would be completed correctly and on-time, but there would usually be a lot of laughs involved. She will definitely be missed."

Deanna was born in 1971 in northeast Texas to Buddy and Becky Cross. Raised "at the intersection of the two dirt roads" in Warren, Texas, she graduated from Monsignor Kelly High School in Beaumont, Texas, in 1989. She pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in bioenvironmental sciences in 1993 and a doctorate in plant pathology in 1999. Furthering her education, Deanna obtained a master's degree in genetic counseling from BayPath University in 2019.

Deanna married Clay Maugans on March 12, 1994, in College Station, Texas, where they met during their freshman year at Texas A&M. The couple recently celebrated 30 years of a loving and joyful marriage.

After earning her doctorate, Deanna contributed her expertise as a medical researcher at the Marshfield Clinic in Wausau, Wisconsin, for 12 years. In 2012, she returned to Texas to join the faculty at HSC, where she taught genetics and evidence-based medicine. Most recently, Deanna served as a genetic counselor with GeneScreen Counseling.

"She was a valued colleague who made important contributions to HSC," said Dr. Tom Cunningham, associate vice president for research administration and regents professor, Physiology & Anatomy in HSC's School of Biomedical Sciences at HSC. "Deanna helped create a certificate program in genetic counseling and served the School of Health Professions as a member of the Research Advisory Committee. Everyone who worked with her will miss her."

Deanna's dedication extended beyond her professional life. A member of the Fort Worth Club, she enjoyed running half-marathons and 5Ks with friends, walking and biking the Trinity River Trail and being a valued patron of the Fort Worth Lab fitness center. She also loved traveling with her husband, reading romance novels, celebrating the change of seasons, and cooking gourmet meals for friends and family. Her historic home in the Mistletoe Heights Neighborhood of Fort Worth was a beloved retreat.

Upon her diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2022, Deanna faced her illness with remarkable poise, grace and a positive demeanor.

"Deanna was a gifted genetic counselor because she could make even the most complex concepts easy for anyone to understand," said PA Vic Homes, Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. "She was loved by our students for the same reason. Personally, I will miss our daily chats about dogs, spouses and life in general. She always knew what to say to make the situation better. She was a joy to be around because she embodied the positive side of life."

Dr. Glenn Forister, dean of the School of Health Professions, added, "Dr. Cross was a valued member of HSC, always willing to collaborate and innovate. Her ability to move forward despite adversity made her exceptional. I truly admired her."

PA Lauren Dobbs, chair and associate professor of Physician Assistant Studies, noted, "Dr. Cross supported PA education in the realm of genetics education and research. She created and led the Genetic Certificate program through the SHP until the time she left the HSC. Dr. Cross was not only known for her experience and vast array of knowledge, but she was also known for her baking and cookies. She loved to share her talents, whether academic or sweet. She will be truly missed."

Deanna is survived by her husband, Clay, her parents Buddy and Becky Cross of Warren, Texas, her sisters Patricia of Clarksville, Texas, and Daphne of Houston, Texas, her mother-in-law Susan Maugans of Humble, Texas, her brothers-in-law Rexford W. Maugans and wife Lori of Humble, Texas, and Wade Maugans and wife Alma of Pearland, Texas, as well as many beloved nephews, nieces, and countless friends and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Rex Maugans.

In accordance with her wishes, Deanna's body was donated to The University of North Texas Health Science Center for the advancement of science, and cremation will take place at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School's tuition assistance fund at (409) 866-2351 or to the UNTHSC Foundation at [email protected].

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