Rwanda Gross

Reverend Rwanda Gross was a founding member of what was then Unity Fellowship Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 2001. Deeply committed to the spiritual growth and development of others, she devoted many years to evangelism and ministry. She began her spiritual journey as a Deacon in 2005, was elevated to Minister of the Gospel in 2010, and was ordained as Reverend in 2016.

Throughout her years of faithful service, Reverend Rwanda served as former Chair of the Help Ministry at Unity Fellowship Church New Ark in Newark, New Jersey. She also facilitated New Members’ Indoctrination and served as Spiritual Overseer of the Usher Board. In addition to her leadership roles, Reverend Rwanda was a drummer in the illustrious Sunsum Ministry, joyfully praising God through the djembe.

Reverend Rwanda was eternally grateful to Rev. Victoria Castillo-Skeete, Pastor of Unity Fellowship Church of Trenton, whose invitation to New Brunswick led her to a spiritual home where she felt welcomed from the moment she walked through the doors.

Professionally, Reverend Rwanda worked in the fields of Severe Mental Illness and Substance Abuse as a Clinical Case Manager in the State of New Jersey, where she made a powerful impact in the lives of those she served. Most recently, she worked at Concord Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lakewood, New Jersey, a nursing facility specializing in long-term care and sub-acute rehabilitation. There, she was beloved by both staff and patients alike.

Reverend Rwanda Gross was born on July 7, 1951, and departed this life on May 21, 2026.

She was the beloved daughter of Connell Spearman and Hassan Karriem. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Mahdi Strawter; granddaughter, Alexandria Strawter; great-granddaughters, Zaria, Leija, Adira and Nelina Calderon; brothers, Saladine Karriem, Rahman Karriem, and Kevin Gardner; sister, Raziya Muhammad; nieces, Tawana Brinson, Ayisha Karriem, Amira Artis, Maryam Jones, and Taraji Karriem; nephews, Saladine Cannady, Sharif Karriem and Jamil Karriem; along with many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.