Lee Ella Gillard Ross, affectionately known to her family as “Aunt Lee,” was born on January 29, 1925, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to Thomas Gillard and Effie Bridges Gillard. In 1936, Thomas, Effie, and Lee moved to Pontiac, Michigan where Lee attended the Pontiac public schools. After graduating from high school in 1942, Lee attended Howard University in Washington, DC. In 1946, Effie, Lee’s grandmother, and Lee’s younger sister Marcia moved to Flint, Michigan. 

After meeting him while at Howard University, Lee married Myron R. Ross, Sr., and in August 1948, to their union was born a beloved son, Myron Rudolph Ross, II, known to all as “Oogie.” The young family first made their home in Tuskegee, Alabama, where Myron taught pre-engineering students at Tuskegee Institute. They later settled in Rahway, New Jersey, where Myron worked for Federal Telephone and Radio (later AT&T;) and where Lee would make her home for most of her life. 

In 1968, Lee and Myron experienced a parent’s deepest sorrow. Oogie, who had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January of that year, was killed in action in Vietnam, on October 3, 1968. He was just 20 years old. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the City of Rahway honored his life and sacrifice by naming Myron Ross Park in his memory. Lee carried his love with her always, keeping his memory alive with the quiet strength, dignity, and grace that defined her life. 

Lee shared a close and enduring bond with her family, especially her brother, the Reverend Kenneth Rommell Gillard, who often traveled from his home in Michigan to spend time with her. His visits were a cherished reminder of the family ties that remained strong throughout her long and remarkable life.

 In 2023, Lee moved from Rahway to Chesapeake, Virginia, where she became a resident of the Chesapeake Rehabilitation Center. It did not take long for her warmth, intelligence, humor, and spirited personality to win the hearts of those around her. She endeared herself to staff and residents alike and soon became known to everyone simply as “Auntie.” 

Lee was blessed with more than a century of life, a life that witnessed extraordinary change in our nation and our world. Through every season she remained a woman of strength, wisdom, grace, and resilience. She loved her family deeply and leaves behind memories that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who were blessed to know her. 

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Lee Ella Gillard Ross passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 101. Though her earthly journey has ended, the love she gave, the wisdom she shared, and the lasting impression she made on generations of family and friends will remain forever. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Effie Gillard; her sister, Marcia Gillard Sanders; her husband, Myron Rudolph Ross, Sr., and her son, PFC Myron Rudolph “Oogie” Ross, II. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, the Reverend Kenneth Rommell Gillard; close family friend, Darren McConkey; friend Bernice Young; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless others whose lives she touched in meaningful and enduring ways. We celebrate Aunt Lee’s beautiful life with gratitude, remembering the words of Scripture:

 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 Her life was a gift. 

Her memory is a blessing. Her legacy will live on