MRS. DORIS WATERS ROSS

Doris Waters Ross was born in the heart of the Mississippi Delta on August 12, 1924, in the city of  Greenville. She was one of eleven children born to the late Katie Webster Henderson.

In the summer of 1943, Doris and her two young children, along with her extended family migrated to Indianapolis, Indiana during “The “Great Migration” - a time when more than six million African Americans relocated out of the rural South. This was a pivotal time in her life, as she once recalled, “I will never forget it. It was two weeks before my 19th birthday”.

It was there that she met the love of her life, Jesse Lee Ross, Sr., whom she married on November 23, 1946. They raised six children together whom she loved more than anything, and worked tirelessly at the RCA Record Company to create a comfortable life for them. She retired in 1984 after thirty-nine years of service.

But Doris had some unfinished business she left behind in Mississippi. Between working and raising a family, she attended night school at Crispus Attucks and got that high school diploma she always wanted, and even took classes in college. Such bravery and determination! We were so proud!

Doris was very loyal to the Christ Church Apostolic family for many years. She served on the Mother’s Board and made countless friends young and old who loved and adored her. She was a confidant and mentor to many who will always remember her for her style and grace.

Having come from meager means, Doris acquired an expensive taste for fashion and home decorating, and spared no expense in getting what she wanted. She was well known for her signature hats which she often    modified to suit her sense of style. She was a fashionista and loved to shop from designer catalogs, (or any catalog for that matter). UPS was her friend and she probably managed to hide a package or two. As she got older she             became more eclectic in her style, and her personality is infused into every square inch of her home.

In addition to her love of fashion and home decorating, Doris had a great love for small breed dogs and owned many over the years. At the ripe old age of 86, she was determined to have another puppy (by any means   necessary) and purchased Lang Lang, her beloved Yorkie. Her son Larry now has full custody of Lang Lang to fill the void as he will miss his “Middy”, as Doris affectionately called   herself.

It was quite notable that Doris spent a good part of the latter decades of her life maintaining a healthy eating regimen. This most certainly contributed to her longevity and she would encourage (strong arm) her family to do the same.

Her close family will always affectionately remember her,  “I will not take no for an answer” strong will and determined spirit.  “Same thing”, rest easy...

At the age of 97 years 2 months, and 6 days  Doris Waters Ross departed this earthly life on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. She will always be remembered for being a devout Christian, for her love and dedication to her family, and for the friend she has been to many.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse L. Ross, Sr.; Dorothy Waters Craig, daughter; Andrew “June” Waters, son; three sisters, Lillie B. Smith Ross, Terresa Johnson Jones, and Pearl Henderson McDaniel; five brothers: Irish Waters, Edward Lee Henderson, Elige Waters, Adward Henderson and Pervis Henderson, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Tanya Elise Ross of Indianapolis, Indiana and Carmen Ross Tanksley (Russell) of Stone Mountain, Georgia; Teresa Evans, stepdaughter, of Muncie, Indiana; two sons: Edward L. Ross, Sr. (Roslyn) and Larry Ross, both of Indianapolis, Indiana; eight grandchildren; a host of great- grandchildren; two sisters: Hazel Henderson Cantrell and Senobia Henderson Pervine, both of Indianapolis, Indiana and other relatives, the Christ Church Apostolic family and many friends.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Humbly Submitted…………...…..The Family