Reverend Gloria E. Ross

Reverend Gloria Edith Ross was born July 4 ^th , 1937 to the late Thomas James Macintosh Sr. and the late Erma D. Macintosh-Cuff.  Gloria was the 5 ^th child born from this union.  Rev. Ross was preceded in death by her siblings, Ann Collins, Erma V. Peterson, Barbara Coleman, Constance Murray, Leila Baynard, Tommy, Jimmy, and Lonnie Macintosh, all deceased in the City of Wilmington.

Gloria went very peacefully, slipping away and transitioning to her new spiritual home on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 5:21 a.m. at the Wilmington Hospital surrounded by family and ministerial staff.  Gloria is the last sibling out of 9 children to be called home to her eternal resting place and she is now reunited with her parents and siblings.

Gloria was raised by Mary Randall and her cousin Lucy at 1004 Walnut Street with her God sister Brenda Helm. During this time, she met Nelson E. Ross and they were united in marriage under Reverend George Brown and from this marriage they raised together two beautiful daughters Elizabeth Moore and Eugenia Ross. Nelson and Gloria bought a home at 201 E. 25 ^th Street where they lived over 50 years.  Everyone on 25 ^th street became one big family, and everybody loved Mrs. Gloria.

Gloria grew up on the east side of Wilmington, Delaware. Some of her closest friends recall her enjoying the outdoors on the corner of 7 ^th and Poplar (now known as Clifford Brown Walk). If not there, she could be found spending time at St. Matthews Church. Even with all the time spent with family and friends she still found time to be a faithful member of the Precision Drill Team with the Elks of I.B.P.O.E.

Gloria joined Mother African Union Church under Rev. George Brown at a very young age. She was a member of the Young Adult Choir, Usher Board and other various auxiliaries.  Gloria continued to seek God and she received a higher calling upon her life as a Praying Evangelist.  She attended the AUMP School of Religion (Rev. Major R. Medley (Dean), Bishop Thomas E. Moon Asst. Dean, under the leadership of Bishop Robert F. Walters Presiding Bishop who was also her friend. Bishop Walters also ordained her as a Local Preacher and an Evangelist of the Gospel. Still understanding and answering the calling on her life, she was ordained Reverend Gloria E. Ross by the Rev. Albert Jarman.  She served as the assistant Pastor of Mother AUMP Church under the leadership of Dr. Lawrence Livingston for over 15 years. Her walk was no secret and she was eager to use her talents for God’s glory. She had a personal relationship with God and was often called a “Prayer Warrior”. She refused to let a rock cry out on her behalf.

Rev. Ross served the Mother African Union Church in many capacities and did so passionately. She held the position as the President of the Home mite Missionaries Society, Daughters of Conference, Usher’s Ministry, and the Sunday School Association. She also participated as a member of the appointment committee for Mother African Union Church. Gloria sang with various groups such as the Going Home Choir, J A Hall Choir, and Chancellor Choir. Rev. Ross was also affiliated with the UAME Conference as well.  She attended Boulden Seminary School under the leadership of Irene Dutton (UAME).  Rev. Ross was a lifetime member of Mother Church and she served under various Pastors at Mother Church.  Gloria loved her church and church family.

In addition to the countless roles and responsibilities that she held, Rev. Ross devoted 25 years to The University of Delaware in the Hospitality Department. After retiring, her desire was to keep children in the neighborhood safe by becoming a school bus driver for Brandywine School District for 10 years. She also worked for the Mother African Union Church’s after-school program as the transportation driver. Occasionally, she could be spotted working for her extended family at Bell Funeral Home.

Her walk was no secret and anyone she encountered would know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. She could often be hear saying, “MAY THE WORK I DONE SPEAK FOR ME”

Two of Rev. Ross’ proudest titles were “mom” and “granny.” Her family knew and will always remember her to be “THE LINK THAT HELD IT ALL TOGETHER” Mrs. Fix-It. She enjoyed quality time with family celebrating birthdays, weddings and barbecues. Rev. Ross was the glue that held everyone and everything together—from holiday dinners to being the life of the party. Peggy Johnson, who will always be Louise to her Thelma, was her best friend and closest confidant. When not shopping or laughing with Peggy, she could be found sitting on that front porch serving as the neighborhood watch.

Rev. Ross loved to shop, laugh, and most certainly loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. Her pride in the team could be spotted from the clothes she wore to the seat covers in her car.

To know her was to love her; Rev. Ross was truly gracious in everything she did.

She is survived by Nelson Ross, her husband of 57 years; two children, Elizabeth “Annie” Moore (Royce) and Eugenia “Jeanie” Ross (Sajda Bashera); five grandchildren, La’Royce “Ray Ray” Walker (Dawn), Kenya Ross, Kevin Moore, Laquan Ross and Omyra Chatt; four great grandchildren, RaaYan Walker, Ny-Rae Walker,Eugenia Kasjae Ross, and Justyce Walker; God sister Brenda Helm; devoted friends Peggy Johnson, Margaret Moore and Marlene Stewart; three sister in laws Mary Ross (Ohio), Wiillie Mae Holland (Virginia), Dorothy Edwards(Virginia) who recently passed on July 22, 2021. Gloria loved her extended family in VA; God daughters Sheila Register, Deatrice Miller, Nyriah Johnson, Kia Helm; Devoted niece Carmen Peterson, adopted son, Aurellio Burton(Crystal ) along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Our lives go on without you

But nothing is the same

We have to hide our heartache

When someone speaks your name

Sad are the hearts that love you

Silent are the tears that fall

Living here without you

Is the hardest part of all

You did so many things for us

Your heart was kind and true

And when we needed someone

We could always count on you

The special years will not return

When we are all together

But with the love in our hearts

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 7:00 PM, at Mother African Union Church which is located at 812 N. Franklin Street Wilmington, DE. The viewing will precede the celebration and will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Service will start promptly at 7:00 PM.

The web address for the Facebook is https ://www.facebook.com/bellfuneralhomede .

Interment will take place at Gracelawn Memorial Park on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM.

Masks are required for viewing and service, without exception.