Mrs. Bernice McManus Ross

Mrs. Bernice McManus Ross, age 96, was born in Union County North Carolina and came to the end of her life’s journey on January 22, 2026, in Monroe, North Carolina surrounded by her family and friends.

She is survived by her children Gary Ross, Melinda Bailey, and Sheila Helms of Monroe, North Carolina, Ronnie Ross of Palestine, Texas, Trudy Hood of Blenheim, South Carolina, Sammy Ross of Crozet, Virginia, and Frankie Ross of Mobile, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband Sanford “Sam” and two sons Randy Ross and Sandy Ross. She had 20 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren.

She was teasingly nicknamed Bernie Mac by a son partially because she loved humor and laughter and as a play on her name. She was born in a poor share cropper family and worked alongside her family in the fields until she met her future husband Sanford “Sam” Ross who was returning from Japan at the end of WW II. They wed in 1947. They were married 42 years until his death in 1989. She spent her entire life in devotion to her 9 children. She was well liked and respected in her community. She always looked for the good in people and was generous in helping others as she could. She was hard to anger unless she felt someone had something to say about one of her children that she didn’t like. There simply couldn't be another more devoted mother. They were her life’s work, and she endlessly strived to ensure they were fed, clothed, and loved.

As a child she experienced much hardship because she was born in 1929 as the Great Depression began. She often related stories of the hardship she faced in those years. Those experiences made her very resilient and tough as leather. Through those experiences she learned the importance of family, sharing and hard work. She wouldn’t eat anything unless she offered you part of her food. Because of her depression era upbringing, she was very frugal and instilled that in her children.

Although she always saw the good and beauty in people, her passion was the beauty of flowers. She even though the flowers of the peskiest weeds were beautiful. In her younger years she took pride in gardening and used that passion to provide home grown food through the winter spending many hours preparing and canning food. Her favorite food was tomatoes, and it was the last thing she ever ate. She loved country and gospel music. She could often be heard singing while lying in her bed in the late hours. She wasn’t a good singer, but she could be enthusiastic about it if she thought it was hurting your ears.

She never held a public job and never learned to drive. She was kind, loyal, fiercely protective of those she loved, stubborn at times, gentle, but most of all loving. She may be gone, but she will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of the many people’s lives you touched. Thank you for being the best mom a child could want. Rest in eternal peace.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Ross Family.