Verna Ross

Verna Beatrice Ross was born on October 16, 1945, in Bolton, Mississippi to the late Leotha and Clara Ross. From this union, she was the second of two children and known for her fun-loving and outspoken personality. In later years, the family relocated to Wisconsin and then Illinois. Verna received her elementary education in the Waukegan, Illinois and North Chicago Illinois school districts. She graduated from John Marshall High School in Chicago, Illinois, and moved on to obtain collegiate success, earning degrees in Accounting, Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Computer Science. After an impactful career as an educator, Verna semi-retired from teaching after St. Malachy Catholic School. She later officially retired from United Armored Governmental Services as a Licensing Agent contracted for the Department of Motor Vehicle. At an early age, Verna accepted Jesus Christ as her savior. She was baptized at Orange Hill MB Church in Bolton, Mississippi, and received salvation in 1957. She remained steadfast in her faith, f inding strength and solace in the church. Verna was a member of Pilgrim Rest MB Church for many years under the pastorship of the late Rev. Matthew Thomas. There, she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and choir director. God’s anointing was present when Verna directed the choirs, and it was a God given gift that she was recognized for throughout the church community. She was an integral part of the music ministry in various churches, as well as the Seniors on the Move Gospel Choir. Verna had many favorite songs, but the holy spirit was always evident when directing “Beams of Heaven” and “The Lord is My Light”. Verna served as a mentor to many directors that would follow in her footsteps. She beamed proudly when they would come into their own and begin to operate in their gift. In later years, Verna relocated to Kenosha, Wisconsin. She became a beloved member of Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church under the pastorship of Bishop Jerry Baldwin, Jr., where she remained faithful until her health began to decline and she returned to Illinois to be with her daughter and granddaughter. Verna was instrumental in orchestrating the music ministry in schools where she served as an educator. She merged her love for God, Music and the youth by cultivating the Les Finches Learning Tree Gospel Choir, the Les Finches High Steppers Majorettes, and later, the St. Malachy Catholic School Gospel Choir, accompanied by Evg. Mary Teague. Both choirs became staples within their school’s history

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