Josephine E. Ross

Josephine Elizabeth Ross was born May 8, 1947. She was the oldest daughter to the late Deacon Joseph and Louise Ross. She grew up in Springfield Missionary Baptist Church as a little girl and was baptized by the late Rev. L.M. Geter. Springfield was her family church where her parents were active members of the Springfield congregation. Josephine had a strong belief in Christ and dedicated her time to serving as an active member at Springfield until she was no longer able to physically attend. Despite her physical limitations she tried her best to keep in communication with the Pastor, Deacons, friends and various members of the Springfield family.

Josephine attended Foster Elementary School in Evanston, Haven Middle School and Graduated from Evanston Township High School. She went on to attend National Louis University in Chicago where she attended for three years.

Aunt Josie was a very strong willed, hard-working, and driven woman. She also had a very bright spirit. She really loved to laugh and joke. She could sing, cook, and she was very outgoing.  She enjoyed being around her family and celebrating milestones, holidays and special events with lots of laughs and great food.  Josephine was employed by the United States Postal Service over 30 years where she started as a mail carrier and worked up to management. She was extremely proud of her success there as was her family. She became the first female Deacon at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church and was in the Gospel Choir.

Josephine was considered a matriarch of the family. She was a “Big Sister” to Martha Dyer but also so much more. She was “Aunt Josie”, “Grandma Aunt Josie”, and affectionately called “Big Mama” by various care staff and nurses. She was Martha’s sister but also like a mother figure even though they were close in age. She was also like a mother figure for Noel, Joel and Josephine Dyer.

Josephine made her transition from this life on October 3, 2021, surrounded by her family. She is survived by: her younger sister, Martha Ross-Dyer, two nephews, Noel Dyer (Martine Dyer), Joel Dyer, and a niece, Josephine Elizabeth Dyer, grandnephews Jaxon & Jamieson Dyer, many cousins and a host of friends.

Visitation, Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.

[Please note:  In compliance with CDC, State, and local COVID guidelines, face masks are mandatory indoors regardless of vaccination status.]

Family and friends to meet for Graveside Service and Interment, Friday, October 8, at 12 noon, at Sunset Memorial Lawns, 3100 Shermer Rd., Northbrook.

Funeral info:  847.673.6111.