Mrs. Mattie Lee Ross-Barney

The second child of seven born on September 13,1942 to the union of Roosevelt & Ora D (Tollivar) Ross in Little Rock, Arkansas. The family relocated to Mississippi in the mid 40'S to the Delta area. Mattie received her education in Drew & Ruleville, Mississippi. She was baptized into Christ in 1954. Ms. Mattie quickly grew into adulthood when she had to take on the responsibilities of the woman of the house at age 15 when her mother passed away. She became caregiver for her father and six siblings. The joy of these tasks came on November 25,1959 when she have birth to her only child, a son Robert Ross. He was truly someone special in her life. He knew that momma was a source of strength and wealth for him. In 1962, Miss Mattie moved to Chicago, Illinois to help take care of her older brother Willie's four children (Alvin, Brenda, Melvin, Barbara). She worked for the Chicago Housing Authority where she was actively involved with the youth in the community coordinating activities, competitions, and fundraisers by teaching them to make & sell homemade doughnuts. She had a passion for food. She instilled a sense of pride & responsibility in the youth. They loved Ms. Mattie. In 1968 Mattie married Robert Barney and relocated to Milwaukee, then later divorced. Love does strike twice sometimes as Mattie & Robert were reunited in marriage on November 28, 1985. They loved spending time together fishing, watching television, gardening, and traveling. Ms. Mattie was fortunate to establish her own maid service. She used this service to help others who needed help by giving them jobs. Her business provided opportunity for her to meet two special families who welcomed her into their lives. She treasured the special relationships that she had with Mr. & Mrs. Rice, their three daughters, and grandchildren and the Marx family. Ms. Mattie loved her three grandchildren dearly & especially her three great grandchildren and would do anything that she could for all. Proceeded in death by her son Robert, husband Robert, grandson Deon, parents Roosevelt & Ora D Ross; brothers Charlie, Willie, Clarence, and Richard Ross; & special aunt Mille D Lynch. She leaves to cherish her memories granddaughter Angela (Derrick) Pouncey of Mil. WS; grandson Robert (LaTasha) Ross of Mil. WS, daughter in law Annette Smith Ross of Mil. WS; great grandchildren Akila Grace, Shanita Johnson, & Reginald Johnson of Mil. WS. & a great grandchild on the way (Robert & LaTasha); sisters Cathelean Brown of Memphis, TN, Barneta (Charlie) Walker, & Betsy (Robert) Satcher both of Joliet, IL; brothers Jackson (Gladys) Ross of Mil. WS, & James (Hester) of Renova, MS; stepsisters Naomi King of Mound Bayou, MS, & Ruthie Reddics of Shelby, MS; Goddaughter Taishon (TeTe) Thompson; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and a special personally adopted son David (Gina) Marx of Houston, TX.

Mrs. Mattie Lee Ross-Barney

September 13, 1942 - December 2, 2012