Apr. 19, 1927 - Jul. 5, 2015 Bernice C. Ross was born April 19, 1927, to the late James and Adeline Harris Calhoun. She was the second youngest of 12 children and was called home on Sunday, July 5, 2015, due to natural causes. "Dear" was a graduate of Alabama State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, as well as a Master of Arts degree in secondary education. She was a lifelong educator during which she was employed by Southern University, Trinity Gardens Elementary School, Carver Elementary School, Ella Grant Elementary School, Trinity Gardens High School, Mobile Recreation Department, and Bishop State Community College. From 1972 until she retired in 1989, "Dear" was an instructor/coach at John L. Leflore High School (formerly Toulminville High School). Throughout her career she received countless accolades for her dedicated service as an educator. "Dear" truly enjoyed watching a good movie or one of her favorite game shows, sewing, dancing, teaching, coaching, and socializing, but most of all, she loved spending time with her countless friends and family. She was a woman of faith; a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, co-worker, and friend. She was a long time member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. During various times in her life, she served as an Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, as well as numerous social and civic clubs. "Dear" leaves to cherish her loving memory her four children, Gayle Sylvester of Mobile, AL, Prince (Gloria) Ross, II of Springhill, FL, Pamela (William) Guyton of Mobile, AL, and Willie Bernard (Rena) Ross, Jr. of Millbrook, AL; five grandsons; six granddaughters; sixteen great grandchildren; a host of devoted friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and "adopted" children from the neighborhood and beyond, who will miss her radiant smile and feisty personality. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2015 from 8am until the 9:25 Rosary followed be the 10am Mass of Christian Burial at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 304 Sengstak Street, Mobile, AL 36603. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, 800 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL. DIGNIFIED AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO SMALL'S MORTUARY, 950 SOUTH BROAD ST. MOBILE, AL, 36603. Condolences maybe offered at www.smallsmortuary.com
Published in the Mobile Register and Baldwin County from July 7 to July 8, 2015