Annie Mae Ross-Christopher was born April 12, 1929 to Robert Ross, Sr. and Adlean Smith Ross of Gloster, MS. Annie grew up in Mississippi on her family’s 100 acre farm. Annie gave her life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. She graduated from Amite County High School in Mississippi. In the very early 1950s she moved to Chicago. Here she continued her walk with the Lord as an active member of Southwestern Missionary Baptist Church (now known as Miracle House of Payer) - the church where her late Aunt Louise Smith was a founding member. Annie was a faithful member of the Beautifying Club and Mission’s Auxillary. She served the Lord in many capacities including Sunday School teacher, Choir member and later as a Youth Sponsor managing a rotation of recreational activities for the Church youth aged 5 to 18 years. She was at times asked to speak during special Church events and/or annual days.
Her early years in Chicago found Annie attending Wilson Teacher’s College to pursue her dream of becoming a Home Economics teacher. She also briefly attended Ray Vogue School of Design to refine her skills. She began her career as a trainer and proofreader in Montgomery Ward’s catalog division. While working at Montgomery Ward, she met the love of her life, Anthony V. Christopher, Sr. In October 1955, after six months of courtship, Annie and Anthony were joined in Holy Matrimony. He was the first and only man Annie had ever known in the biblical sense. They were married for nearly 64 years until Anthony Sr. passed away in August 2019.
Once they began a family, Annie left the workforce and devoted her life to being a homemaker caring for her family. Annie was a gifted clothing designer and seamstress. As such, she designed and sewed graduation, prom, and wedding dresses, matching family outfits, and boys’ and young mens’ suits. She was deeply committed to and invested in every aspect of her children’s lives, serving as president of the PTA, and being very active in the Rosemoor Community Association. During winter every cold and snowy morning she made and served hot chocolate to patrol boys who guarded children as they crossed the street for school. She was a Campfire Girls Leader, and taught summer bible study in her home. She loved baking a variety of home-made breads, tea cakes, and pies; the coffeepot was always on. As part of a close-knit family, this was important too. Her brothers and sisters-in law on both sides knew whenever they stopped by for a visit there was always a sweet treat to enjoy with the coffee and conversation.
When her youngest child was 14 years old, Annie at age 52 rejoined the workforce. She worked at BMO Harris Bank where she retired as a Data Analyst. Annie loved nothing more than to spend time with her family. Annie was a prophetic woman who loved and submitted herself to GOD and His word. She would gently remind loved ones what thus said the Lord. She was a sweet, kind woman of God who would never hesitate to help others and offer words of wisdom or prayers. Her greatest gift she gave to her children was introducing them to Christ, making sure they were rooted and established in relationship with Him. She also made sure her children’s lives were well-rounded outside of the Church by exposing them to books and literature, music lessons, team sports like track and field, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, ice skating, and Girl Scouts activities.
At the age of 93, Annie passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 17, 2023. She was truly one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Annie is survived by her loving children: Toni Cannon, Anthony V. Christopher, Jr. (“Kip”), Karen A. Morrison (“Kay”), and Robert E. Christopher (“Bob”); cherished grandchildren: Raina Shari, Anthony III (“Trey”), Derrick, Jr. (“DJ”), Kelly, Heather Ann, Ashley Chanel, Benjamin, and Byanca Ann; dear great-grandchildren: Dasche Seoule, Ryan Christopher, Jr. (“Deuce”) and Bailey Ru; Sister, Dolly Craig and sisters-in-law, Helen Ross and Odessa Ross. Annie is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony V. Christopher, Sr.(2019), daughter, Andrea Lynn Christopher (2016); parents: Adlean Smith Ross and Robert Ross Sr; and siblings: Edna (Richard) Thompson, Willie Ross, Sr., Robert (Elise, Gertha) Ross, Jr., Jonas (Annabelle) Ross, Sr., and, Will Henry Ross.
Visitation will take place on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home 4727 W. 103rd Ave., Oak Lawn, IL and again on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Miracle House of Prayer 8638 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00am. Interment Lincoln Cemetery Blue Island, IL.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.6