Lucille Whitaker Ross

Lucille Whitaker Ross, a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away on March 9,2023, at the age of 76. Born on November 19, 1946, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Lucille grew up in a community that would come to know her for her unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, and enthusiastic drive to uplift those around her.

Her remarkable journey began at Lane’s Hill Elementary and continued through Rosa A. Temple High School, where she laid the foundation for a life dedicated to service. Lucille's career was as diverse as it was meaningful; she worked as a candy striper nurse at Kuhn Memorial Hospital and shared her jovial spirit as a bus driver with the Vicksburg Warren School District. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open a small store, where she brought joy to many, while her talent for hairstyling provided comfort and pleasure to her clients.

Above all, Lucille was a beacon of faith and love. Whether she was ministering her own prayer line or visiting nursing homes to sing and spread joy, she gave endlessly of herself, often with her grandchildren in tow, nurturing their spirits alongside her own. Her home was a sanctuary filled with conversation, laughter, and kindness, providing nourishment not only of the body but also of the soul to the elderly and those in need.

Lucille is survived by her beloved sons, Jeffery (Sarah) and Kenneth (Sonya) Ross, who carry forward her legacy of love and devotion. Her siblings, including Shirley Whitaker Tolliver, Phillip Lee (Erma), Dr. Pearletha Cox (Antoine), Clifford Lee (Gwen), Peggy Conway (Lester), Debra Lee, Anthony Lee (Erica), and James Lee (Juanita), share treasured memories of their dear sister. The joy she provided extended to her grandchildren—Jada, Jamel, Jazzmin, Jassiah, Elijah, Jeramiah, Mataya, Devin, and Donovan Whitaker—and two great-grandchildren, Donovan Jr. and Cianna Whitaker, who were all fortunate to bask in her warmth and wisdom.

Lucille was preceded in death by her loving parents, Susie Whitaker Tolliver and Roosevelt Lee, and her son, Larry D. Whitaker. She is also mourned by her brothers, Charlie, Johnny, and Gregory Whitaker Tolliver, as well as Darnell, Randy, and Richard Lee, whose memories are forever etched in the hearts of all who knew them.

As we gather to celebrate Lucille's incredible life, let us remember her as a woman of unwavering faith, whose presence made an indelible impact on all she met. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 18, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Ardis Williams City Auditorium in Vicksburg, MS, an opportunity for friends and family to come together to honor a remarkable soul who truly was the embodiment of love and faith.