Senior Spotlight 4/26

Mrs. Maude Nealie Ford Ross is a phenomenal, virtuous and an amazing woman. She is a faithful child of God and beloved mother, sister, relative, friend, citizen and (retired) teacher and Guidance Counselor who continues to live an inspirational and good life at age 95 and counting.

Mrs. Ross was born in Greensboro, NC, and was reared in Winnsboro, SC, where she now resides. She is the third of six children born to the Late Ernest and Estelle Henry Ford. Mrs. Maude Ford Ross is the proud and loving wife of The Late Julius Mansel Ross, Sr. They were blessed with four lovely children. Also, Mrs. Ross has been blessed with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Ross is the proud sister of Martha Daisy Ford Gladden.

She completed the Fairfield County Training School in Winnsboro and continued her education receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Allen University, Columbia, SC. She continued graduate study at the University of Missouri (Columbia, MO), University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) and Teachers College, Columbia University (New York, NY), which all led to her M.A. Degree in Guidance and Personnel Administration.

As an educator, Mrs. Ross held a variety of positions, namely: Elementary School and High School English Teacher, and High School (HS) Guidance Counselor at Fairfield County Training (HS) and Winnsboro HS.

Upon completing thirty-five (35) years of professional service, she retired in 1982 and continues to counsel many in the church and community. During her life, she has helped to educate over 5,000 students and helped many of them pursue degrees in higher learning. Countless numbers of her students have become successful in many walks of life and are contributing citizens in their communities.

Mrs. Ross has been a faithful and active member of Saint John AME Church in Winnsboro, SC, or over 70 years, where she has served as a Steward, Sunday School Adult Teacher and Adult Choir Member. She has also served as President and Secretary of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). Mrs. Ross has served in many other capacities on all levels of the AME Church (Connectional, State, District and Local levels), including: WMS Chairperson of the Spartanburg Area (4 yrs.); President of the WMS Columbia Conference Branch (4 yrs.); First Vice-President,WMS Columbia Branch; Chairperson on Christian Social Relations Committee (4 yrs.); Instructor in the Youth Leadership Congress at Allen University (25 yrs.); Chairperson of the Seventh Episcopal District’s Special Initiatives Committee on Global Homelessness and Housing, and Public Relations Director for the Winnsboro Area, Lancaster District. The AME Church has provided great opportunities for learning the Word and the Church. Mrs. Ross has served as a delegate to General Conferences, WMS Quadrennials and participated on committees. She is a Life Member of the WMS of the AME Church.

In Dec. 2009, Mrs. Ross initiated sponsorship of “Musical Blessings” (under the leadership of the Church). The project fostered greater participation of youth in the music ministry of the church. Applications from youth of the church were accepted. Four junior high students in music training were selected to primarily provide music for the Sunday School and the Church (upon request) each month. Mrs. Ross contributed to the church each month a small stipend for each child, as an incentive for each “Musical Blessing” and for services rendered. The students, in turn, gave back to the church ten percent of their earnings – learning to serve God, His church and to tithe early, while saving. Mrs. Ross has taken great interest in civic, educational and social activities of the community.

They include: Fairfield County Friends of the Library Board; Church Coordinator for the Good Samaritan House; The Governor’s Rural Leaders School and The Fairfield County Central High School Scholarship Committee. In Winnsboro, she organized the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (IPBOEW), Canary Temple No. 1229, and is a Daughter Elk. She is also an Eastern Star member of the Evergreen Chapter No. 126. Mrs. Ross also served on the Fairfield County Council on Aging Board (7 yrs.) and the Fairfield County Zoning Board (6 yrs). She is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Mrs. Maude Ford Ross has received several special recognitions, namely: State of South Carolina, House of Representatives, Outstanding Community Service Recognition, 2006; Fairfi eld County Council, Outstanding Community Service Award, 2006; Th e Kenneth Adamson Memorial Scholarship Fund and Golden Rock Fellowship Church, Inc.; Outstanding Service Award, 2006; Fairfi eld County Schools Service Awards, 1982; Professional Award. Guidance and Personnel Administration, 1980; Canary Temple, IBPOEW, Daughter Elks, 1970-1982; Service Awards from Governors Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. and Governor Richard W. Riley, Governor’s Rural Leaders’ School (‘82 and ’87)): and Allen University, Voorhees College and Benedict College Recruitment Appreciation Awards, 1979 -82.

Along with singing, other hobbies she has enjoyed are playing the piano, traveling, gardening, reading, church and missionary work, inspiring young minds and writing. Spending time with family and friends is also a special love of hers. She can be found at home these days attending to her fl owers, enjoying discussing current events, (aft er her naptime) watching the national and local news, Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and winning a hand or two of Kings’ Corners (a favorite Family game) before bedtime.

Family and Church life are important to her for it has helped Mrs. Ross grow in Christ to serve God’s purposes. In so doing, she has been instrumental in growing God’s Church, while inspiring others to do the same. She has touched many lives in positive ways, as a result. God continues to use her as His vessel for goodwill and bless her, as she gives Him the praise and glory. Her favorite scriptural passage is Psalms 23. She is an inspiration to all who know her.

These days, being very instructional and supervisory come very natural to her (even with a command joyful toot performance). She’ll sing the verses and will let you know when to come in on the chorus. It’s all good and a delight to be in her seasoned presence and she yours! What a blessing she is! Th ank God for her!