Tommie Lutisha (Ross) Banks was born February 17, 1920, in WhitevilleTennessee. She was the second child born to Jim (Papa Ike) and Alley Banks. Tommie Lue was called home to rest July 11, 2023 at the age of 103.
There Tommie Lue attended school and was a member of Clover Garden Church. She gave her life to Christ at the age of 12. The family lived in Alton, IL for 2 ½ years.
In her later years, Tommie Lue moved to Jackson, Tennessee where she met Mr. Shedrach Ross. They were united in holy matrimony on March 17, 1946. They were married 38 years before his passing in 1984. She was a member of the Long Chapel Baptist Church until it burned down. She later joined the Walnut Grove Baptist Church where she served as an usher and choir member.
She was known for her wonderful cooking and blessed countless people-including family, friends and strangers over the years. She was employed with Jimmy Catering Services for many years and later became the head cook at Lambuth College. Mrs. Ross retired in 1990 and moved to Kansas City, Missouri in August 1994, to live with one of her daughters. While in Kansas City, she joined the Friendship Baptist Church.
In the summer of 2012, Tommie returned to Jackson, Tennessee where she remained until her passing – surrounded by laughter and love with her great grandchildren. Tommie Lue (affectionately known as Madea) possessed a kind and gentle spirit. She was a woman whose ways touched the lives of many people. Madea would make anyone feel welcome in her home – no matter who you were. There was always a warm meal and a good laugh to enjoy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother, her husband Shedrach Ross, three sons: Willie B. Ross, R.C. Ross, Robert Ross and one daughter, Frances Bausily.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Two daughters: Catherine (Eddie) Davis of Kansas City, Mo and Martha Ann Carter (Thomas) of Jackson Tn, special daughter Carlisa (Tyrone) Ross Echols (Her Great Granddaughter whom she raised as a daughter) of Jackson, TN; one daughter in law: Sylessie Ross of Brownsville, TN, cousin Joseph Shaw of Jackson, TN, sister in law Catherine Ragland of Indianapolis, IN, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and special friends.
