Dignity, elegance, courage,
faith-filled and strength are all words that describe Annie Mary Ross. She was
the wife and partner of Mr. William W. Ross. She stood by her husband through
thick and thin. On July 18, 2008 at 7:50pm, Annie M. Ross rejoined William S.
Ross as she transitioned to her eternal reward.
Annie Mary Ross was born in Galveston,
Texas on January 15, 1929, the eldest of four children to the late Deacon C. W.
and Alberta Willis. She inherited a legacy of family, character and faith.
Annie grew up in a Christian home where everyone played an active role in
church activities. With the Lords direction in 1943 Deacon Willis moved his
family to Oakland California where she attended Junior High School and
graduated from McClymonds High School.
In
1951 she was married to Mr. William W. Ross. To this union five sons were born.
Both William an Annie believed in raising
their family in a Christian home. They
attended the Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. A. Holly, there
she served in the Mission, Sunday school and the Music Ministries, just to name
a few. After praying and knowing that God wanted to use her even more, William
and Annie along with their sons became charter members of Abyssinian Missionary
Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Timothy J. Prince, there Annie was
also active in the Music Ministry, part of the Radio Choir, Sunday school,
Mission Department, Pastors Aid and other areas where God led her. After God called her husband home, on
October 26, 1982, Annie remained faithful to her church.
In 1985, She Joined Evergreen
Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. J. L. Richards,
and remained under the leadership of Bishop Frank Pinkard, Jr. and until her
health failed her she worked untiringly,
with the Music department, Sunday school, Calendar Club, Hostess
committee, Pastors Aid and Vacation Bible School. Wherever Annie was needed, she served with
no questions asked. Annie loved the lord and it showed through her walk, talk
and love for others. She never met a stranger; she was kind to everyone who
passed her way.
Annie was well known for her cooking, at
any given time, you could walk into the house and find a big pan of dressing
and turkey wings; she was a baker like none other and would always receive
requests for cakes and pies: lemon pound, butter pound, coconut and especially
her German Chocolate cake, not forgetting the sweet potato pies and the peach
cobbler. If you never had a slice of a cake or pie from Annie you missed out on
a blessing.
She was a woman of extraordinary grace
and dignity sent to us by God “for such a time as this.” She was loved by so
many and will be missed.
Annie
Mary Ross leaves a
legacy of love to five devoted sons, Reginald B. Ross, Warren F. Ross (Myrel)
both of Hayward, Anthony L. Ross (Gloria) of Stockton, Donald E. Ross of
Hayward, Darryl S. Ross (Trice) of San Leandro. One brother, Deacon C. W. Willis
Jr. (Shirley) of Queens NY; Eight grandchildren, Danielle and Darryl Ross of
San Leandro, Melissa Michaels, Nicole Ross of Stockton, Donald Ross Jr. of
Sacramento, Crystal, Jason and Charlie of Hayward; One God-child, a special
niece, Denisha M. Willis of Hayward, One favorite nephew, Deacon Bobbie Taylor
of Houston TX; four nieces, four nephews and a host of other relatives and
friends.
