Mary Ross

Mary Undene Thomas Ross who was affectionately known as “Sue” a childhood nickname was born August 15, 1935 in Hopkins County, the daughter of Britt, and Elizabeth Nash Thomas. She was one of 18 siblings of a blended family. 

She was baptized at an early age, and after moving to town from the East Caney Community in 1944, she united with Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully in many capacities until her health began to fail. She served as the Sunshine Band Leader, Junior Red Circle, an Intercessory Prayer Warrior, a Devoted Sunday School Teacher of the Naomi Women’s Sunday School Class, and Church Mother. Mary was devoted to her work in the home, caring for her family, caring for others, and for her church. A favorite scripture she often quoted was Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. She believed that was a promise for saved believers who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ. 

 She was a graduate of Douglas High School, and attended Bishop College in Marshall, Texas. She married Lloyd Ross, and to this union two children were born: LaNelle (Horace), and Kenneth. To know Mary was to know she had a passion for sewing. Taught by her mother at an early age, and growing up in a large family, sewing was a necessity. Over the years as her skills developed, her knowledge of aesthetics and techniques advanced tremendously. Her home was always filled with fabrics, sewing patterns, and of course a measuring tape. A dream fulfilled when she, and husband Lloyd opened a fabric store, and named it Cutting Corners Fabrics. For 10 years Cutting Corners provided extraordinary value and selection to their customers, and meaningful personal relationships with their customers were maintained throughout the years. 

A recent newspaper article highlighted Mary, her life, her passions, and many achievements, but most will remember her as someone who genuinely cared about people, a person who loved deeply with a heart of compassion for everyone she met. To her family she was a family historian, and would often share stories from times past. She had a passion for researching people, places, cultures, heritage and the context of where and when her ancestors originated. She was a blessing of immeasurable proportion to so many. 

 Mary is survived by her children, 3 grandchildren; Lance Wilson (Ebony), Ayanna Garvie, and Kendra Ross, 6 great grandchildren; Rhythm Ross, London Williamson, Ruby Wilson, Sophie Wilson, Mackenzie Simmons, and Nate Simmons. Sisters: Eunice Finney of Dallas, Texas, and Billye Lewis of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and a host of nieces, and nephews. Brief encounters that became meaningful relationships; CenterWell Home Health, Gentiva Hospice, The Charles Helm Family, and Mrs. Bonnie Huffstetler, who held a special place in her heart. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd, 10 brothers, and 5 sisters, 1 daughter in law: Daphne Ross, 1 granddaughter: Delecia Simmons, and 1 great grandchild: KynMori Ross.