Stephanie Marie Ross

1962 - 2021

Stephanie Marie "Sista Watermelon" Ross a native of New Orleans, La., ascended to heaven to receive her wings on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the age of 58. Stephanie was born on July 6, 1962 to the late Walter J. Ross, Sr. and Winnie J. Williams. She was baptized at a very young age at St. Matthew Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. James Landrum. She was educated in the Orleans Parish School System, where she attended William J. Guste Elementary, Alfred C. Priestly Middle School, and graduated from Alcee Fortier Senior High School Class of 1979. After graduating from Fortier, Stephanie attended Southern University at New Orleans where she graduated with an Associate's Degree in Business Marketing in 1981. She also attended Audubon College and received her certification in Secretarial Science in 1984. She was employed with the Department of Social Services for 15 years, Worley Catastrophe, and Stone Kitchen Catering Company just to name a few. Stephanie was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel in 2001 and received her ordination in December of 2003 under the leadership of Bishop J. Douglas Wiley Taylor of Life Center Cathedral, New Orleans, La. While attending Life Center Cathedral she served as part of the College of Preachers, Single's Ministry Director, and was active in the Women's Ministry. After Hurricane Katrina, Stephanie relocated to Houston TX, where she became a member of the Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral, under the leadership of Bishop Darryl S. Brister. She was an active member serving on the Ministerial Alliance, Intercessory Prayer, and as Personal Assistant to First Lady Dionne Brister. She was part of several prayer groups, JumpStart Prayer, Sisters Prayer Call, Fourth Watch Prayer, Family prayer calls, and many others. Anyone who knew Stephanie, knows more than anything she loved serving the Lord Jesus, and praying. She received the baptism of the Holy Ghost early one Saturday morning at an all night prayer meeting in Rev. Mamie Green's prayer room. She truly loved her family, and leaves to cherish her memory, two brothers Gerald F. Ross of New Orleans, La, Pastor James E. (Leslie) Ross of Texarkana, TX; two sisters, Elder Irene (Henry) Matthews of Oak Park, Mi, and Eunice P. Ross of New Orleans, La. Although, she didn't have any children of her own, she was a mother to a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and other relatives. She also leaves several devoted friends, Shirley Conley, Tanya Jordan, Vanessa Bowman, Pam Boyd, just to name a few and her special relationship she developed while residing with her cousins, Tresa "The Warden" Luckett and Alex (The Hitter) Byrd Jr. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 11:00 am at Life Center Cathedral, 2100 Ames Blvd., Marrero, La. 70072. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Due to the ongoing risks associated with COVID-19, everyone attending is required to wear a mask. Professional arrangements entrusted to Majestic Mortuary (504) 523-5872.