Viola Montfort Ross

OBITUARY

Mother Viola Montfort Gray Ross was born December 19, 1927 to Mr. John Wesley Montfort, Sr. and Mrs. Lue Vonciel Riley Montfort. She grew up in Taylor County, Georgia and attended St. Paul Church School.

At an early age, Mother Viola Ross confessed Christ as her personal Savior and joined the band of Christianbelievers at the Antioch Baptist Church, where she faithfully served the Lord and her church family. She was a devoted member who participated in Sunday School, lifted her voice in the Church Choir, served faithfully on the Hospitality Committee, and the Pastor’s Aid.

Mother Ross was always willing to lend a helping hand. She lovingly prepared and served meals for the pastor and members of the church and worked diligently in and around the church, taking great pride in helping to keep the sanctuary beautiful and welcoming.

Mother Viola Ross was affectionately known as the Mother of Antioch Baptist Church. Through her faithfulness, kindness, loving spirit, and willingness to serve, she became a cherished and respected presence in the church and a blessing to all who knew her.

Mother Ross’ ministry extended far beyond the four walls of the church. Her ministry in life was to care for God’s people. She gave people a place to stay, provided financial support to those in need, prepared home-cooked meals for anyone who needed or wanted one. Viola was a respected cook who could prepare tasty meals, and she was known for her unique baking skills. She confidently shared a spiritual word from the Lord in person and by phone. She loved her family and her community and was always willing to share the Word of God and pray with others.

Mother Ross never met a stranger. One of her favorite questions to ask everyone she met or spoke with was, “What’s your favorite scripture?” Her love for people, her faith, and her willingness to serve made a lasting impact on the lives of many. She also enjoyed being a seamstress, gardening, planting flowers, sewing, and making quilts.

Mother Ross was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Sammie Gray, Sr on April 4, 1948.

They were blessed with eleven children and enjoyed rearing their children and grandchildren. She later married Mr. Shelly Ross in 1979. She was preceded in death by Mr. Sammie Gray, Sr. and Mr. Shelly Ross.

Mother Ross was a kind and caring woman who was loved by all who knew her. She lived a long and active life, always dressed and ready to attend church, visit her neighbors, or spend time with family and friends.

Surrounded by some of her family, Mother Ross departed this life peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Harborview Nursing Home, Thomaston, Georgia, following a brief stay.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. John Wesley Montfort, Sr. and Mrs. Lue Vonciel Riley Montfort; her siblings, Bernice Montfort, Harden Montfort, Sr., Riley Montfort, Eldora Montfort, Alvin Montfort, Willie Montfort, and John Wesley Montfort, Jr.; and three grandchildren, Tracy Gray Clarke, Vincent Owens, and Karren Owens.

Those who will forever cherish her precious memoriesand legacy include:

seven daughters: Mrs. Mary Frances Campbell, Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. Hattie Owens, Culloden, Georgia, Mrs. Mary Marie (Anderson) Alsobrook, College Park, Georgia, Mrs. Eldora (Bruce) Wimbush, Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Bernestine McClendon, Atlanta, Georgia,Mrs. Ethel (Johnnie) Dawson, Centerville, Georgia, and Mrs. Calden (Albert) Walker, Roberta, Georgia; four sons, Mr. Sammie Gray, Jr., Atlanta, Georgia, Minister Alfonza (Doris) Gray, Fayetteville, Georgia, Mr. Lex Key (Sheliah) Gray, Lithia Springs, Georgia, and Minister Alvin (Shennill) Gray, Hampton, Georgia; thirty-two grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, and fifteen great-great-grandchildren; five stepchildren, Mr. Willie (Enola) Ross, Mr. Bobby Ross, Reynolds, Georgia, Mr. Bennie (Barbara) Ross, Dallas, Georgia, Mrs. Bessie Ellison, Reynolds, Georgia, and Mrs. Mary Ross, Boston, Massachusetts; one sister, Prophetess Ms. Voncie Lou Montfort, Butler, Georgia; four sisters-in-law, Mrs. Minnie Montfort, Butler, Georgia, Mrs. Marie Montfort, Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Clarice G. Stone, East Point, Georgia, Mrs. Dollie Gray, Jonesboro, Georgia; one brother-in-law, Mr. Tommy (Dorothy) Gray, Villa Rica, GA; one godson, Mr. Johnny Jessie Ross, Thomaston, Georgia; one goddaughter, Mrs. Sherman Gray, Culloden, Georgia; a dedicated and dependable caregiver, Ms. Olivia Crafter, Culloden, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, along with other loving family members, friends, and a church family who will forever hold her memory dear.

Though deeply missed, she will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her