Malvena R Ross

Born August 4, 1924 in Florida, Malvena was the daughter of Ed and Harrie Mae Riley. She was predeceased by her four siblings: Harrison, James, Edith, and Ruth. The family moved to South Carolina where she was educated and began to serve the Lord. After high school, Malvena relocated to Washington, DC to further her education, where she studied to become an LPN. It was in D.C. that she met a gentleman who was determined to make her his wife. Benjamin and Malvena married in the 1940s. Their family grew to include four sons, Benjamin Stanley (deceased), Michael (deceased), Kipling, and Rodney. The entire family joined Walker Memorial Baptist Church under Reverend Smith. During her working years, Malvena provided daycare for many children. She was employed as a Nurse at the Hebrew Home and the U.S. Soldiers' Home, where she worked as an EKG specialist. Her kindness and compassion for the residents was unwavering. Christian spiritual values guided her caregiving. At her beloved church, Malvena served God and the members faithfully. Malvena and Ben were excellent cooks. They used their culinary skills for fundraising and hospitality for family, friends and neighbors. She participated in the Ladies Guild, Building Committee, Women's Choir, and Lay Ministers Team. She established the Benjamin Ross Scholarship Fund to honor her late husband and provide financial aid to college students. She was a dedicated member of the Deaconess Ministry for more than 40 years and was Chairperson for a total of 24 years. She held several positions with the National Baptist Deacons Association and received many awards. As the matriarch of a lively and loving household, Malvena welcomed kin and friends and made everyone feel special. She was a Christian role model for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A little known fact is that Malvena was a Basketball Player during her High School Years. She would often tell her grandchildren about her basketball days and she would be smiling just remembering the good times she had. Those that knew and loved Malvena know that she was a fashionista, who paired beautiful sharp suits and dresses with stunning hats and gloves! She prided herself on looking her very best from head to toe. She made sure the men in her life - husband Ben and sons - were always looking sharp, as well. Malvena always drove a Cadillac. You would see Malvena beaming and smiling as she drove her Cadillac, with pride. Oh yes, she loved her Cadillacs. In adulthood, her pastimes included gardening, baking and shopping with her sister, Ruth. Deaconess Malvena R. Ross was peacefully called from labor to reward on November 12, 2020. She will be missed by sons Kipling (Michelle) and Rodney (Pearlie), daughter-in-law Merle,11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two nephews, and two nieces. Extended family, friends, and church family will also miss her. Deaconess Malvena Riley Ross - A Beautiful Life to Remember

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Malvena R Ross

August 4, 1924 - November 12, 2020