Nena Ross

On April 25, 2024, Nena Ross passed away and went to be with God. Nena was born in Wingina, Virginia on May 11, 1939, to Deacon Mayo and Jurean (Early) Rose. She was one of eight siblings, with four brothers and three sisters. At a young age, Nena dedicated her life to the Lord and was baptized at St. Hebron Baptist Church. Her family was also devout Christians, attending church even when there were no services. Nena graduated from Nelson County Training School, with her favorite subjects being arithmetic, reading, and home economics. 

Nena had a happy childhood, with some of her fondest memories being making mud pies, picking apples off the apple tree, and playing in the creek at recess near the elementary school. She loved reminiscing about the good old days, such as when they moved to a bigger house with a bathroom and a pipe directly from the well to the house or when they upgraded their icebox to one that ran on fuel and freon. 

While Nena enjoyed being a country girl, she, like many of her siblings, wanted to explore what was on the other side of the mountains. In the early sixties, Nena and her beloved partner, John Ross, moved north. They settled in Washington, DC, where they made their home and had their only child, Bernadette Ross. Nena loved being a mother, and her daughter was her pride and joy. Despite living humbly, Nena made sure that her daughter had everything she needed. Through faith, dedication, and perseverance, Nena knew how to work miracles with what she had. 

Nena was ambitious and relocated her family to Alexandria, VA, where she started her cleaning business. In her spare time, Nena enjoyed learning about history. Her favorite subject was her family genealogy and ancestral roots. But she didn't stop with her family; she loved all history, taking many road trips to historical sites and landmarks in the United States to learn all she could. Nena kept great records of her travels and observations, like a good historian. Her most memorable trips were to Maine and Las Vegas. 

Nena will be remembered for her love, care, and concern for society. It was not uncommon to see Nena caring for the stray dogs and cats in the community, whom she often fed and cared for. She will be most remembered for her stories, jokes, and infectious laughter that brought herself and loved ones to uncontrollable laughter and tears. 

Nena was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William and Sallie Rose, maternal grandparents, Charles and Gracie Early, parents, Mayo and Jurean Rose, brothers: Clyde, Alphaeus, and Ray, and sisters: Merniece and Millie. 

She is survived by her husband, John Ross, her daughter, Bernadette Ross, her brother, William Henry, her sister, Ella Mae, sister-in-law, Virginia (Alphaeus), and a host of relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held at 1:30 p.m. and  funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at St. Hebron Baptist Church, 5092 James River Road, Wingina, Virginia 24599.  

Interment will follow in the Peaceful Gardens Memorial Cemetery in Wingina.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).