IN MEMORIAM  -  MRS. VERA PHYLLIS BENBOW ROSS

Mrs. Vera Phyllis Benbow Ross went to her earthly home on Friday, July 10, 2018 in Orlando, FL.   She was born on March 23, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Robert Benbow and Jennie Boyd Gilreath, who both preceded her in death.   Many of her formative years were spent in Reidsville, NC where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1964 and later studied at Norfolk State College in Norfolk, VA.

Vera began her employment at Western Electric in 1973 in Baltimore, MD.  She worked there for 17 years through name changes to AT&T and Lucent Technologies and through several moves--- finally to Orlando, FLA in 1988, where she eventually retired from Agere Systems.

Vera gave her life to Christ as a child in North Carolina, and later became a member of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD where she sang in the choir.  After moving to Florida, she joined The Life Center Church in Eatonville, FL and after moving to Orlando, joined Church in the Son.  It was there she discovered gifts she never knew she had, and became a small group leader, served in various capacities at the Women's Encounters, and served on mission trips to the Dominican Republic.  Close to her heart was the work that she did with "Buddy Break", a respite ministry for families of special needs children.  She also frequently visited the sick, made herself available to those in need of a friend, gave people rides to church, or became a surrogate mom to those who needed love and guidance.

Vera's activities were numerous and adventurous which included traveling with friends/family to the Caribbean Islands or across the country, her Silver Sneakers exercise class, shopping, and teaching others how to shop or how to budget.

She is survived by her loving and devoted son, Vance A. (Mona Lisa) Ross, Sr., of Orlando, FL; brother, Joseph (Tammy) Gilreath, of Greenville, SC; sister, Amanda Mickens, of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Vance A. Ross, Jr., Xavier R. Ross, Karnicia Dominique Ross, Talithia White, Marlon Allen; a beloved aunt and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other cherished relatives and friends.  Professional services entrusted to:  Postell's Mortuary, Orlando, FL on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m at Church in the Son with David Taylor, Senior Associate Pastor officiating.
Obituary courtesy of McLaurin Funeral Home