Yvonne Ross

Yvonne Smith Ross was born on, October 6, 1936, in Grenada, MS. She was the fourth of sixteen children. Nine children survived the union of Charlie William Smith and Sabra Esther Brown-Smith. In 1945 the family moved to Deering, MO where she received her formal education. In 1950 family moved to Hayti, MO where at the age of 14 she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of, Rev. George Fletcher. On November 9, 1954, she married the love of her life, Cleo Ross. Cleo and Yvonne, along with two toddlers, moved to Kansas City in 1956, where they reared their family of nine.

After moving to Kansas City, the family worshipped at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. In 1963 they moved their membership to Canaan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert B. Poe and later Pastor Tony D. Cobbins.

Yvonne served in many capacities such as, the Culinary Ministry, Young Adult Choir, Baptist Training Union, and Vacation Bible School. In 2000 she moved her membership to the Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Michael E. Brooks. While at Zion Grove she served on the Mother’s Board and remained a faithful member.

Yvonne was employed as a domestic worker throughout the community for many years, later to retire in 1982. That same year she opened her heart and home to provide daily care to her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other parents in need of childcare. Granny’s Day Care stayed open day and night for 39 years.

In her younger years, as a labor of love, she enjoyed going to Kelsey’s Farm to pick fresh vegetables for her family, friends, and those in need. Yvonne, affectionately known as, Granny, Aunt Nig, or simply, Nig, also loved family gatherings, picnics, reunions, traveling, and shopping. She opened her home, especially her dining room to host many impromptu and formal events. Her many guests included gospel recording artists Daryl Coley, Betty Griffin-Keller, Genetter Bradley, and other gospel music workshop participants, as well as clergy and a multitude of family and friends. At Granny’s home you could always find laughter and a whole lot of love.

Granny’s motto was, “If I can help somebody.”

To receive her on the other side are her parents, Charlie William Smith, and Sabra Esther Smith; her children, Diana Ross, and infant Ross; her siblings, Alva Berteal Lewis, Anderson C. Smith, Juanita Dixon, Samuel P. Smith, Delores Smith, Jimmy V. Smith, and Linda Faye Innis; and a grandchild, David Kyle Ross.

To carry on her memory of love and laughter is her husband of 66 years, Cleo Ross; children, Jennifer Ross, Clifford (Carolyn) Ross, LaVonda Lindsey, Esters Beason, David (Lisa) Ross, Raytonia Ross, Randall (LaNeca) Ross, Christina Ross, Chekeshia Williams, and Donovan Brown; grandchildren, Ronnie (Angie) Gray, Byron (Jill) Ross, Andrew Ross, Rionna (William) Willis, Deron (Katrina) Ross, Zaneta (Joseph) Johnson, Seleste Beason, Donte Ross, Charles Williams, Daniel Ross, Joslyn Ross, and William Ross; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Billie J. Shaw; sister/cousin, Joyce King; sisters-in-law, Mildred Cooper, and Ollie Faye Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, family, and friends.