Helen Ross

Helen aka “Doll” (Graves) was born August 1st, 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Mann and Pearly Heard. Helen Ross at the age of 86, beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother transitioned from this earthly realm into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 1:30 am.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years - W.L. Ross. One sister and brother-in-law Geraldine (Dennis) Hampton, and one brother Walter Chester Heard.

Helen spent her early childhood years in Memphis as well as Mississippi and later moved to Chicago where she would attend and graduate Harrison Technical High School. A woman of many talents, at the same time a high school student, a majorette in high school, and a cashier bookkeeper in her parent's store. Helen was a gifted artist, a trait that she would pass on to her daughter Wanda and a few of her grandchildren. After high school, Helen went on to attend the School of Cosmetology. She had a knack for designing hair. Helen Ross lived a life full of excitement, energy, and creativity. She had a passion for cooking and baking, and her homemade dishes, especially her sweet potato pies, were always the highlight of family gatherings. She also had a green thumb and loved tending to her garden. Her hobbies were reading the Bible, drawing, and word search puzzles. She was a big fan of the classic comedies I Love Lucy, Good Times, Sanford and Son, and her favorite movie of all time was The Bodyguard.

It was soon after high school that Helen would meet the love of her life: W.L Ross. They were married in 1957 and were blessed to raise 7 wonderful children. Helen was a loving wife, a homemaker, and a devoted mother. Like her late husband W.L., Helen worked numerous jobs to provide a stable home for her children. She sold eyewear in Lee Optical shop on Chicago’s southeast side, and would later work and retire as a School Crossing Guard for the Chicago Police Dept. and at the same time still maintain a household. Amazing! Helen Ross at an early age accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, where Helen also sang in the choir alongside first cousin Chrisaleen and John D. Helen continued her faith for many years at Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church. She was a kind and generous soul who always put others before herself. Her family and friends will remember her for her warm smile, her gentle nature, and her unwavering love.

Helen leaves behind a loving family including her children: Wanda, Jimmie, Angela, William, Michael, Brian, and Cassandra; Grandchildren, Brittany, Amanda, Mercedes, Briana, Faith, Brianca, Joseph, Jeremy, Destiny, Kennedy, Khloe, Robert, Randy. Great-grandchildren Elias, Issac, Ella, and Kota. Niece Nadia; Sister-in-law: Lily Jean and Willa Mae; Brothers-in-law Kenneth (Loraine), Nathaniel (Mary), Alonzo (Carol), John (Louise), Ronnie (Shirley), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 9:30am until service time at 10:30 at Hardage-Giddens Mandarin Chapel, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. Burial will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218 at 2pm with an arrival time of 1:30pm.