Erma L. Ross
Erma L. Ross would have been 100 years old in exactly one month, however, on Tuesday, October
3, the Lord had different plans and she said her goodbye to all of us who loved her so dearly.
Born in Kingston, TN on November 3, 1923, she was the third child of Gilbert and Susie Liggett. Sadly, her mother died three years later leaving Erma’s father to raise his three children alone. Despite the many challenges and struggles during the early part of the 20th century, Gilbert raised his three children to believe and achieve - AND THEY DID! Erma graduated from Knoxville College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and later attended the University of Tennessee for post graduate studies.
Erma’s first teaching job was at Campbell High School in Rockwood, TN. She also was employed by the Atomic Energy Commission as a clerk typist in Oak Ridge. Returning to teaching, she taught at Sam E. Hill Elementary and West Hills Elementary in Knoxville, TN. After retirement, she continued the work ethic that her father had instilled in his children. She worked even after retirement. She worked as an assistant to Bob Booker, the Administrative Director. Her favorite “after retirement” job, however, was at Unity Mortuary where she served in many capacities, including the first female limo driver.
She was a faithful member of First United Presbyterian Church (McMillan Chapel on the Knoxville College campus) which merged with Fourth Presbyterian to become Fourth United Presbyterian Church.
She was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Links, Inc., and the Top Ladies of Distinction.
At Knoxville College, she met Clifford Ross and the “marriage made in Heaven” began. In 2005, he preceded her in death. Others who preceded her in death are the following: Gilbert and Mamie Liggett; John and Dorothy Liggett; Myrtle and Charles Moore; Allasue L. Patterson Jones; Margaret and Amos Mitchell; Kathy Gaiter; Connie and Gaither Mills; Margaret and Felix Gaiter; Kathy Lowery Roberts and many other extended family.
She is survived by her only child Patricia and son-in-law Bobby Jennings; granddaughters Leslie Green and Tracey Hill; great-grandchildren Martez and Jaida Hill; sisters Bettye L. Patrick, Marion L. (Lou) Contini; Joy L. (Anthony) Ingram; Jean Robinson; Carolyn (Curtis) O’Neal; Ernie Moore; Peggy (John) Jackson; Felix R. Gaiter; Anthony Mills; Lorraine Brown; Dorothy (Larry) Brice; a loving host of great and great-great nieces and nephews and so many devoted friends, former students, and church family who she lovingly called her “baby boys or girls” and always considered them her “Angels.” The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 2:003:00pm with the service to follow at Fourth United Presbyterian Church, 1321 North Broadway St.
The final resting place will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery - Lyons View. A dove release will conclude.
Special Appreciation to: The Summit Medical Group and the very dedicated staff at Smoky Mountain Health and Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following in memory of Erma L. Ross: Alzheimer’s Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to “Special Projects” at Fourth United Presbyterian Church, Knoxville Tennessee.
Unity Mortuary is honored to serve this family. www.unitymortuary1979. com.