Dorothy Ross

Mrs. Dorothy Carolyn Dunn Ross of Charlotte, NC, beloved wife, mother and respected educator, died on July 3rd, 2011, at the age of 92. Born on August 8, 1918, in Greenville, SC, she was the wife of James Newell Ross III, and mother to four daughters. She is survived by all her children: Betsy C. Ross, a respected career educator & teacher at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC; Susan R. Spivack, of Charleston, SC, & a career kindergarten teacher; D. Jeanne Ross of New York City & Adjunct Professor/Educational Consultant; and Ms. Ann Marie Hinkel, of Burlington, NJ, and Litigation Support Manager at Anapol Schwartz in Philadelphia, PA. Mrs. Ross is also survived by her grandson, Christopher James Hinkel, who is a senior at Stockton College in NJ.

In her lifetime, Mrs. Ross was an eyewitness to the events of almost one century of history. A child of the depression, she lost her only brother, Teddy, at a tender age, and then managed to attend college. 1942 was a significant year in her life: she graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College, in Boone, NC, and married her beloved husband of over 50 years, James Ross. Mrs. Ross went on to become a dedicated educator, serving as a teacher for some 40 years in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. In 1984, she retired from her final position as kindergarten teacher at Clear Creek Elementary School. Her husband, with whom she celebrated over 50 years of marriage, unfortunately preceded her in death in 1996. However, Mrs. Ross, a vibrant and dynamic personality, lived out her life enjoying her passions and pursuits: traveling, reading, music, fishing, swimming & all the delights of coastal living. She never lost sight of her mission to serve others, volunteering in such institutions as the Simmons YMCA, where she taught scores of children to swim. Spiritually a devout Christian, she demonstrated the tenets and core values of her faith throughout her life. Adored by all whom she touched both personally and peripherally, she never failed to leave those she encountered without a smile, poignant memory, or permanent imprint.

Mrs. Ross’s wake will be held at Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Road this Thursday, July 7, 2011, from 6 to 8 pm. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 8, 2011, at 11 am, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 8451 Idlewild Rd., where she was a member, She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery among her cherished husband & family. Flowers may be sent to Harry & Bryant Company.