Maggie Louise (Lawrence) Ross

Maggie Louise Ross, daughter of the late Eddie “Jaybird” Lawrence (1976) and Willie Bell Lawrence (1987), was born on March 8, 1933, in Lowndes County, Alabama. On August 14, 2025, at the blessed age of 92, Maggie completed her earthly journey in Arlington, Texas, and claimed her heavenly reward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Henry Ross (2002); her son, Kenneth Henry Ross (2024); her parents; her brothers James Lawrence Sr. (1981), David Lawrence Sr. (1988), Eddie Lawrence (1988), Robert Lawrence (2000), Luke Lawrence (2015), and Lee Arthur Webb (2015); her sisters Gertie Mae Lawrence Davis (2004) and Nelle Lawrence.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted children: Sharon Ross-Blackmon (Gerard) of Arlington, TX; Michael Ross of Arlington, TX; and Dr. Pamela Ross McClain (Dr. Nathaniel) of Saginaw, MI; her daughter-in-law, Sandra Ross of Dallas, TX; eight grandchildren, Kendall R. Ross, Miguel Spain Ross, Kenneth Henry Ross II, Kijuan Ross, Michael Ross, Jetaime Ross, Ross McClain, and Jaiden McClain; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; her special sisters-in-law, Dollie and Pauline of Saginaw, MI, and Lauretta of Sacramento, CA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends who will forever treasure her love and wisdom.

At an early age, Maggie confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Tyler, Alabama. She received her high school diploma from Lowndes County Training School, Class of 1951, and continued her education at Alabama State University, where she studied education.

In 1955, Maggie married her childhood sweetheart, the late John Henry Ross, and together they built a loving family. As a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother, she created a warm and nurturing home while supporting her husband’s Air Force career. She embraced their assignments in Hawaii and Spain, treasured travels across Europe and the United States, and carried with her a lifetime of memories and friendships formed along the way.

After her husband retired from the Air Force, the family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, where she united with Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1976. For nearly five decades, she served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Usher, and dedicated worker in Christian Education. She was also an active member of the United Sisters in Christ.

Maggie also took courses at Delta College to continue pursuing her career aspirations in education. She worked in Saginaw Public School District in several capacities, including teacher’s aide, paraprofessional, and custodian. In every role, she served as a role model and mother figure for countless children and families.

Maggie enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved dancing, bowling, gardening, solving word scrambles, sewing, watching Family Feud, Sanford and Son, and Meet the Browns. She also delighted in collecting hats and bags of all kinds, and she never met a sweet potato she didn’t like. A natural conversationalist, she loved to talk in both English and Spanish, connecting with people wherever she went. Known for her quick wit and great sense of humor, she could always bring a smile or a laugh to those around her.

Mother Maggie Louise Ross lived a life of grace, faith, joy, and service. Her legacy of devotion to Christ and unconditional love for her family and community will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:23