“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Sis. Valerie Vanessa (Deedy) Ross was born in Independence, on Sept. 15, 1964, to the late Dorothy A. Ross. She departed this life on Nov. 27, 2017, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington.

Valerie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Richard E. Wright at the Mt. Gillion Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member until she fell ill in May of 2016. During her extensive stays at Chateau Terrebonne Health Care in Houma, and Rest Haven Living Center in Bogalusa, she remained positive and always expressed her love for her pastor, the late Rev. Johnny L. Milton, and the Mt. Gillion Church Family.

Valerie and her mom were best friends — they were truly inseparable. They were always together and supported each other in everything. After the passing of Ms. Dorothy Ross, Valerie remained positive even stating that she knew that her “mom’s healing was on the other side.” She knew that she her aunts and uncle would take care of her. Her Aunt Emma Jean became her major caretaker during her stay in Bogalusa.

Sis. Valerie Ross received her education from the Tangipahoa Parish School System in which she graduated from Amite High School with the Class of 1986. After graduation she went on to work at Options, Inc., Tarc, and The Teacher Education Center at Southeastern Louisiana University. Valerie had a love for children that was truly genuine. No matter how many she came across or how they met, she fell in love with each one of them. She loved to sing in the choir, and when she was no longer able to sing with the choir, she sang from the audience. She took pride in everything that she accomplished.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: three aunts, Betty Mae Ross of Fluker, and Joyce Marie and Emma Jean Ross of Angie; one uncle, Henry (Bobbie) Ross of Independence; two great aunts: Catherine Thomas of Amite, and Elizabeth Wilson of Roseland; one foster brother, Derion Taylor of Amite; two godmothers, Jeanette Washington-James of Roseland, and Betty Smith of Fluker; two godchildren, Deon’ Shay Martin of Kentwood, and Stephanie Donald of New Orleans; a special friend, Antoine Brown; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Isaac E. Ross Sr. and Lillie Brown Ross; her mother, Dorothy Ann Ross; three uncles, Isaac E. Ross Jr., Freddie Louis Ross Sr., and Willie James Ross Sr.; one aunt, Rosalie “Bo” Ross; and her godfather, Herbert Smith.