Elder Shirley Anne Rawls Ross, 87, of Chesapeake, Virginia was peacefully called home on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 2, 1937, in Norfolk, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Haywood Sr. and Annie Allen Rawls.
In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by nine of her siblings: Linwood Rawls, Haywood Rawls, Edward Rawls, Elizabeth R. Gains, Dorothy R. Johnson, Geneva Rawls, Georgia R. Locus, Bernice R. Sharp, and Lillian R. Johnson.
A graduate of Norfolk County High School and Norfolk State University, she was in the first Automated Data Processing class offered at Norfolk State. She continued her studies in computer Science at Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University, and WANG Computer Laboratory. She attended Roanoke Bible College, Elizabeth City, NC, and Bible Teachers College, a subsidiary of Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. She graduated from Virginia University of Lynchburg, Virginia Seminary, Suffolk Extension in 2000 with a Certificate in Ministry. She received her Bachelor of Theology and Master of Biblical Studies from New Life Seminary and College, Christiansburg, Virginia, and was a student of the Continuing Education Program of the Hampton University Ministers Conference, Hampton, Virginia. She taught data processing at Chesapeake Vocational School.
After 33 years of faithful service as a Computer Programmer Analysis Supervisor she retired from the Federal Government. In addition, she was a ten-year member of International Toastmistresses, where she won many local and regional awards.
Elder Ross has been a member of Deep Creek Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, since she was nine years old. A devoted member, Elder Ross’s faith and compassion were central to her life. She has served in many positions throughout the years in her home church, including serving as assistant pastor, filling in every first and third Sunday as needed. She was the ultimate First Lady. Serving 12 years at Washington Norfolk District Assembly, 41 years at St. Mary Church of Christ, DOC and 42 years at Deep Creek Church of Christ, DOC. She was elected and served three years as Pastor of Saint Delight Church of Christ, DOC in Bath, N.C. On the district level, she served as the first female District Elder for The North Albemarle District Union of the WNDA, and due to her exemplary performance, she was later granted the honorary title of District Elder Emeritus.
Elder Shirley Ross was a person of strong values and principles, known for her compassion, dedication, and generosity. A strong proponent of protocol, she was instrumental in ensuring that things throughout the Assembly were done decently and in order. Her family and friends will forever remember her for her nurturing spirit, wisdom, and unwavering support.
On a personal level, Shirley always treated everyone like family, and those who knew her, knew she loved to shop! Known for her impeccable sense of style, eye-catching outfits with matching hats were one of her specialties. She was gifted in many crafts and loved designing floral arrangements. She remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and special events, and loved family celebrations, often helping to coordinate these events.
Elder Ross lived a full life of love. She is remembered fondly as a gracious and loving person to all who knew her. She had the gift of helping and advising anyone in need, family or friend. She will live forever in our hearts as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
She leaves to cherish her memory the love of her life, her beloved husband Bishop Dr. Robert D. Ross; beloved children Elder Calvin S. Morris Jr. (Cynthia) of Norfolk, VA, Deborah L. Burkett (favorite son in law, Reggie), Cheryl D. Morris of Chesapeake, VA, Duane A. Morris (Johnsa) of Charlottesville, VA, Patricia E. Ross, and David A. Ross of Chesapeake, VA; step-daughter Kimberly Karstens of Phoenix, AZ, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; one sister, I. E. Moore, of Chesapeake, VA; and one brother Dwight A. Rawls (Nadine) of Silver Springs, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
Her life was a testament of living for Christ and walking with Him day by day, loving God first and then loving others. Her legacy of faith, love and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew her.
The family would like to thank AdaptHealth Care Team, and Amedisys Hospice, and each and everyone for their heartfelt prayers, calls, and acts of kindnes
Condolences(13)-
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Cynthia Wright says
July 17, 2024 at 6:19 pmI am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mother Ross. I will always remember how kind she was to me when I visited the church.
To the family – Praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time. Remember there is no hurt or sorrow on earth that heaven cannot heal 🙏 🙏 🙏
Valerie Johnson says
July 17, 2024 at 7:07 pmTo the family:
My sincerest condolences and prayers are extended to the family. May God continue to keep you all in his loving care. God Bless 🙏🏾
Ministress D. Cherrry-Matthews says
July 18, 2024 at 2:57 amSending my deepest condolences healing love & prayers from my family to yours, on behalf of my late Mother & Grandmother, Ruby Ann Johnson & Lossie M. Lewter
Vada M. Cuffee & Family says
July 18, 2024 at 10:59 amMy thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Truly, Elder Shirley will be missed by many. She touched a lot of lives in various walks of this journey called life. I will cherish her memory and thank God I had the honor of knowing her and her beautiful family. May God grant you peace and comfort as you celebrate her life.
Samantha V Price says
July 18, 2024 at 12:58 pmI am so sorry to hear of Elder Shirley Ross’ passing. Everything that her obituary says is true, I can attest to that. Our family and hers were well aquatinted with each other for over 40 years, being the family and members of Deep Creek Church of Christ DOC. To the family, you have our sincerest condolences. May God comfort you all during this time of bereavement.
Bishop Glenn Williams says
July 18, 2024 at 3:15 pmOur prayers and love is to Bishop Ross and family doing the time of bereavement, I know that GODS blessings is with the family. Bishop Glenn Williams and New Deliverance Church Of Christ, Ayden, NC.
Susan Axson says
July 19, 2024 at 2:59 pmSending my love and condolences to the Ross/Rawls family. Elder Shirley Ross was one of a kind and the epitome of a godly vessel unto honor. She was so gracious, classy and beautiful inside and out and I thank the Lord for her example to the girls/women of Deep Creek COC DOC. She was always kind-hearted, patient and a worshipper. I can’t fit all I want to say here but thank you for always being a blessing to my family. My grandparents Eddie & Virginia Ricks, my mom Sonya and my sister Martha. May you rest in heaven Elder Ross. We will continue to pray for your family as you all have always done for ours.
Eugene Pee-Wee Gray says
July 24, 2024 at 8:24 amMy Condolence goes out to the Family Elder Ross Who is at peace in God’s kingdom.
Wendy says
July 20, 2024 at 8:37 amMy condolences to the family. God will comfort you.
Mr Kirby & Wendy Dixon
The Bailey Twins says
July 20, 2024 at 9:48 amOur thoughts, prayers and love are with the family and loved ones as you celebrate a life well lived.
We count it an honor and privilege to have known and loved Elder Shirley all of our lives. What a joy it was to see her and hug her at last year’s Rosemont Day.
The Bailey Twins
Sondra Holmes & Vondra Selden
Diane Rountree says
July 20, 2024 at 1:30 pmTo Bishop Ross and family
Elder Shirley Ross will be missed. On behalf of dear mother the late Libbie Wilkins Ware and
Diane Rountree and family we offer our sincere condolences and prayers.
Shelia Battle says
July 20, 2024 at 4:16 pmJuly 20,2024 To Bishop Ross and family Elder Shirley Ross will be missed.We all loved her beautiful smile May God Bless You the late mother Sarah Battle and family our condolences and prayers are with you Shelia Battle and family
Joyce M Winn says
July 23, 2024 at 1:22 pmGod bless you! I am saddened to just see this obituary..I am amazed that Mother Shirley’s passing, wake service and Funeral Service were identical to “My Mother’s” This explains why Deborah did not come to our Wake or service…I’m so sorry…I’ve been absent from FB during my mom’s health battle,,but she simply went to sleep as well on 7/7/24. I’m so sorry Please, Please accept our sincere condolence as we both walk this heart-breaking road. Nevertheless, To God be all the Glory! Deborah please call me when you can. Peace and blessings..your friend for life..JOYCE