Mildred Ross

Mildred Ross, affectionately known as "Nanny" to her grandchildren, transitioned
from earth to Glory peacefully and surrounded  y loved ones on January 29,
2026, a t Hartford Hospital. God allowed her a remarkable 93 years, less than one
month from her 94* birthday. She was born in Abbeville, Alabama, on February
23, 1932,  to Henrietta and Whig Turner. As a young woman, she married William
James Ross. They moved to Hartford, CT in 1951 and enjoyed long and
adventurous years together. Honoring their vows "till death do us part", William
predeceased her on February 21, 1992. She i s also predeceased b y a daughter,
Lois Ann Ross, sisters Elizabeth Thomas, Georgia Smith, Ennis Walker, brothers
James, Henry, Willie, and Rufus Turner, and Harry Lawrence.
She was a Founding Member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, where she served
as an Usher for over 30 years. Through purging and transitions, she remained
faithful t o the Body of Christ  at New Mount Moriah Baptist church where
"Mother" Ross continued her life long journey of maturity i n Christ.
Mother Ross, "Nanny" lived a full life that can't be summed up in a few words or
written on a sheet of paper. She had a huge heart and was kind and friendly to
everyone. She was also bold and out spoken. She had such a way with words. "GET A
JOB" she'd say, wanting to make SURE everyone knew the importance of being able
t o support a family. And, once you got that job, you HAD to remain committed or
you'd have a lecture coming. She wanted t o help steer everyone i n the right direction.
Mother Ross loved being around her family; at home, at the park and fishing. She
loved traveling to family reunions where she'd enjoy the company and conversations
of more family. She loved looking her best and wearing hats. A t cookouts with good
music or the right song, she'd b e up and moving to the groove. She really knew how to
enjoy life and t o live in the moment. You could hear her laughter and know she was
having a blast. Mother Ross was also a huge encourager even cheering at the Little
League baseball games. She was very active within her social groups and extremely
proud o f a n event she sponsored "Women in Red" a t the church that was full. She was
a member o f the Red Hat Society.  if you had the privilege of being in her presence,
you had the opportunity t o learn a life time lesson. Some have learned from growing
up in the house with her. And, some knew her best by the place she attended every
Sunday, consistently. She wasn't a fair-weather Christian. She was committed and
served her post as an Usher faithfully. These few words are only a speckle o f the life
lived by Mildred Ross. Some people could write a sermon o n the golden nuggets
dropped b y this gem of a woman. When she loved you, she loved you for life. Once
family you are always family.
Mother Mildred Ross will be sorely missed b y loving daughters: Mamie Dash,
Shelly Pelzer, Winnie Ross, Denise Ross-Jones (James), and Bernice Johnson;
loving sons: James Ross, Donald Ross (Candace), Frederick Ross, and William
Ross Jr. also 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
She i s also survived by two brothers: Whig Turner Jr. and Larry
Lawrence, two god-daughters: LaRonsha and Crystal, two close cousins: Moree
Lawrence and Alameda Daniels, and a host of family and friends.

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