Ross, Lillie Abrams

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” II Timothy 4: 6-7 (KJV) Mrs. Lillie Abrams Ross, affectionately called “Mrs. Lillie” or “Mother Ross”, was born to Matthew and Rosa Thomas Abrams on November 29, 1926 in Florence, South Carolina. On Tuesday, November 9, 2010, she finished her course, departed this life and entered into eternal rest after an extended illness. “Mother Ross” was a devoted and loving person. She lived her life with a passion for family and had a heart for people. She never met a stranger and always had a unique way of making you feel like she had known you since the beginning of time. “Mother Ross” was educated in the public schools of Florence County. On February 12, 1944, she was united in Holy Matrimony to her soul mate of 61 years, Deacon Melvin Ross. To this union, God blessed and showed favor by the addition of one daughter, Mary “Betty” Ross-Alston. At an early age, Mother Ross understood the importance of spiritual accountability and joined Savannah Grove Baptist Church. After being united in marriage, she then joined Maxwell Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Senior Choir, Deaconess Ministry and Missionary Ministry. She was also a member of Magdalene Chapter #63 Order of Eastern Star. Mother Ross was a passionate advocate for our youth and young adults, often sharing her life experiences and admonishing us to always respect our parents and all other adults. She served the Maxwell Baptist Church as “Church Mother” and often provided much wisdom on a level where everyone could understand. Even when her health was failing and her walking ability was impaired, she still pressed her way to the service and gave it all she had. She was often found giving praise and honoring God in her own way. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by nine siblings; and son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Bernard Farnsworth “Chick” Alston. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her. “Mother Ross” showed all of us the values of life on being a Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Caregiver and the best cook. She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving and devoted daughter, Mary “Betty” Ross-Alston of Florence, SC; three grandchildren she reared as her own, James (Kim) Jones of Philadelphia, PA; Angenean R. McAllister and Billy (Tiffany) Jones, all of Florence, SC; eight great grandchildren, Mardi McAllister and LaTisha Ross of Florence, SC; Jasmine Jones, JeneÃŽ”ž Jones and James Jones, Jr., all of Philadelphia, PA; Rashaad Jackson of Hartsville, SC; Leah Thomas and India Jones of Florence, SC; one great great grandchild, Jayda Alexander of Florence, SC; three sisters, Rosanne Mack, Della Wallace and Ollie Crawford, all of Florence, SC; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Brown who called her “My Mickey” had a very close relationship with her – like a sister, and Elizabeth Alexander, both of Florence, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted children and friends.