Shirley Ross

Shirley Rebecca Ross, “Becky”, passed away on January 15, 2022, at the age of 73, following an extended illness with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, children and sister at her home. She led a life full of passion and joy and had a special gift for making deep, lasting connections with people of all ages and backgrounds. She filled our lives with fun and was always there to help in bad times.

Becky was born in Waterford, Michigan and was the oldest of six siblings. She attended Waterford Township High School and received an associate degree in Social Work from Oakland Community College. Though she stood at just barely 5 feet tall, she was bold and strong and loved to throw a party. She pursued a non-traditional job as a cable splicer at the telephone company, then known as Michigan Bell. She and her husband Jim moved from Michigan to Diamondhead, Mississippi shortly after retirement. Becky took to the southern hospitality immediately and embraced the Mardi Gras culture with unbridled passion and enthusiasm.

Her many interests revolved around her large social circle and included golf, playing cards, boating, gardening and participating in any and all events surrounding the Mardi Gras season. She was very active in several groups and clubs including the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O) Sisterhood, Most Holy Trinity Church and many more.

Becky is survived by Jim, her husband of 38 years; her children Kelly (Jeff) Rockwell and Karl (Gretchen) Erickson; grandchildren Anastasia and Hugo Rockwell, her siblings Willis (Michelle) Flood, Tom (Carol) Flood, Gale (Craig) Wilcox and Patrick (Kim) Flood, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister Colleen Beach and parents Patrick and Della Flood.

A funeral mass will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 9062 Kiln Delisle Rd, Pass Christian, MS on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 4pm. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the church at 3:00pm, preceding the mass. THE FAMILY RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS THAT EVERYONE ATTENDING THE SERVICE AND VISITATION WEAR A MASK.

A celebration honoring Becky will be held in Michigan in the summer, when family and friends are able to safely travel and gather to eat and drink.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O) Sisterhood Cottey College (cottey.edu/give/giving-opportunities/) or to Mi Work Matters (miworkmatters.org/donate), a nonprofit inspired by her granddaughter and cofounded by her sister and daughter.