Doris Washington Ross

Doris Nell Washington Ross, 86, born January 5, 1940 in Beaumont, Texas passed away on October 24, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. A wife, mother, friend, church member, patron of the arts, entrepreneur, and community leader; she will be remembered for her outstanding contributions.

Doris was raised by her parents the Reverend Manuel and Mrs. Nevada Washington. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and sisters: Mrs. Mary Graham-Ledet, Dr. Martha Vaughn, and Ms. Helen Washington. She is survived by Dr. Barbara Guthrie, Mrs. Rosa Rush, Mr. Manuel Washington, the Reverend Melvin Washington, Mrs. Patricia Eaglin, Mrs. Joan Stanfill. She attended Carver School and graduated from Charlton-Pollard High School.

She lived her life with a fierce determination. She had a drive to help and protect others, an ever-present sense of humor, a graceful style, a passion for music, and a special ability to charm anyone lucky enough to be in her orbit. She left Texas at the age of 21 to live in Chicago, Illinois. She worked with a private company as a human computer, assisting Argonne National Laboratory. Her work contributed towards being a foundational part of the computing industry. It was here where she met Mr. Curtis Ross, whjo she married in 1966. Mr. Ross went on to achieve great things in the field of science. A foundational environmental chemist with the US EPA, he was the Midwest Regional Director and widely credited with saving Lake Erie as a part of Project Hypo.

Doris and Curtis raised a family of seven children within their lively Christian home and instilled in them the same resolve and compassion that they cherished in each other. They encouraged the children to pursue an education, but also role modelled the importance of community, hard work, and perseverance. Doris is survived by her seven children: Bridget Ross, JD; Nicolette Ross, PhD (Matteo); Damara Ross, AAS MPH, MPS; Jennifer Ross, MS (Brian); Michelle Ross-King, MD (Benjamin); Valerie Ross PhD, BSN (Bruce); and Curtis Ross II, BS (Jennifer). Doris was the loving grandmother of Xavier (Mia), Bishop (Carolina), Jacinda, Sophia and Ross. She was the loving great-grandmother to Camilla, Malakai, Amelia, Dominic, and Mason. She was beloved by her Australian family, the Kings and the Anderson-Kings.

Doris was a prolific entrepreneur. She owned and managed multiple properties across South Chicagoland. She rented and sold renovated homes to community members who might not otherwise have had access to the property market. Her general contracting company, C&D Enterprises, secured many lucrative federal and state contracts across Chicago. She also founded the South Suburban Fitness and Racquetball Club (SSFRC), which became a hub of the community, as well as an opportunity for her to enjoy an athletic lifestyle.

Her overarching kindness and generosity to everyone around her showed that she was a humanitarian who often opened the doors of her home to those in need. She generously poured every ounce of resources she had to help her family and community members in need. She personality was one that never gave up. Her heart emanated true love and joy. Her smile could light up your soul!

One of Doris’s great joys in life was her family’s many adventures and successes. Doris’s children followed her instruction to pursue their passions through life experiences and education. They have travelled extensively across the world: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. All told they have earned a JD, an MD, two PhDs, a BSN, three master’s degrees, and numerous bachelor’s degrees. Her grandchildren have continued this legacy of excellence, as together they are a Navy nuclear engineer, a Computer Information Systems specialist, a professional writing student, a pre-medical university student, and a pre-law student. In later life, Doris enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as she travelled around the US and Australia.

In 1998, she became symptomatic with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which typically has a life expectancy of three to five years. She surprised the entire medical community by continuing to thrive for 28 years. Refusing to be deterred by her diagnosis, Doris continued to work as a contractor for several years and later went on to travel across the United States and to Western Australia. A major highlight of her life was when she met Mr. Andrea Bocelli, her favorite opera singer, who requested to meet her during his concert that she attended in Washington, DC.

She lived a beautiful and fulfilling life. She had a universal expression for love and pride she felt for her family. Her children always felt loved by her, and this will be the outstanding memory that will forever remain in their hearts. She was, and will always be, loved.

As a child of God, she was his faithful servant until her final day on this earth. In her loving memory, we quote Timothy 4:6-8: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day –and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

A Visitation will be held on November 5, 2026. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079

A Funeral service will be held on November 5, 2026. 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.

A Repast will be held on November 5, 2026. 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079

Family members and friends are invited to the Repast immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The United Negro College Fund, www.uncf.org Make a Gift to UNCF Today - UNCF

Questions about the service may be directed to: Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.