Verlie Mae Ross

With profound love and heartfelt gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of Verlie Mae Hawkins Ross, who peacefully entered eternal rest on July 17, 2026, at the age of 88.

Verlie was born on September 17, 1937, in Tallulah, Louisiana, to the late Rufus Hawkins Jr. and Rosie Dawson Hawkins. She was raised in a loving family alongside her siblings: Clarence Hawkins, Essie Lee Hawkins Walker, Bessie Hawkins Coffield, Rosie Hawkins Lewis, Ollie Mae Hawkins Cartwright, Vera Hawkins Coby, and Willie James Hawkins.

Verlie attended Las Vegas High School and later pursued a career as a licensed beauty operator. From 1961 until her retirement in 1990, she faithfully served her clients with excellence, kindness, and compassion. Her beauty salon was more than a place of business—it was a welcoming space where friendships were formed, laughter was shared, and lives were touched by her warmth, generosity, and care.

A woman of unwavering faith, Verlie accepted Christ as her personal Savior and devoted her life to serving the Lord. She joined Second Baptist Church in 1962 before becoming a faithful member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in 1962. Throughout the years, she served diligently in the Young Matures, Naomi Circle, and as Mission Body Secretary until declining vision prevented her from continuing in that role. Her faith, humility, and servant’s heart were evident in every aspect of her life.

Verlie was first united in marriage to Willie B. Fields, and together they were blessed with two children, Roy B. Fields and Marilyn Fields. She later married Lustray Ross on February 28, 1958, and their union was blessed with three children: Yvonne Ross, Dwayne Ross, and Derrick Ross.

Above all else, Verlie treasured her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose unconditional love, wisdom, and gentle spirit shaped generations. She found joy in bringing her family together, sharing words of encouragement, offering guidance, and making everyone around her feel loved and valued.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children: Roy B. Fields, Marilyn Fields, Yvonne Ross, Dwayne Ross (Bernadine Ross), and Derrick Ross; her beloved sister, Bessie Hawkins Coffield; her grandchildren: Deitrick Fields (Eboni Fields), Eric Fields (Kya Fields), Erica Wilson, Royneqiuea Fields, Lakeiwa Johnson (Vince Johnson), El’Jae Jones (Victoria Jones), Lamar Sykes (Eliana Sykes), Brian Mallord, Chasity Ross, Alysia Ross, Aaliyah Ross, and Molanie Ross; 22 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great-grandchild; her beloved goddaughter, Minister Donna Givens; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Verlie was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus Hawkins Jr. and Rosie Dawson Hawkins; her siblings, Clarence Hawkins, Essie Lee Hawkins Walker, Rosie Hawkins Lewis, Ollie Mae Hawkins Cartwright, Vera Hawkins Coby, and Willie James Hawkins; and her beloved husband, Lustray Ross.

Verlie’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love. Her quiet strength, warm smile, generous heart, and steadfast devotion to God and family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love remains woven into the hearts of generations, and her legacy will live on forever.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:23

Forever loved.

Forever remembered.

Forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, US, on August 14, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, US, on August 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, US, on August 15, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.