Jane Ross

Jane Hendon Holmes Ross, age 89, of Elizabethtown, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 13, 2023. She was born in Columbus County, NC, where she created many lifelong friendships and memories. She was the daughter of the late Jesse and Eunice Holmes. Her parents taught her the importance of family, the hard work of farming, and placing her faith in Jesus. Her educational accomplishments were demonstrated as she attended Hallsboro High School, the Presbyterian Junior College, then graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from East Carolina University.

While in college, she was introduced to the love of her life, Henry Layton Ross. They married in 1955, moved to Burlington, NC, and started their family. A few years later, they moved to the farm in Bladen County, where they renovated her Grandparent's home place. She would continue her career with North Carolina Cooperative Extension as the Home Economics and 4-H Agent. After a thirty-year career, she retired and became a 4-H volunteer for the Super Clover 4-H Club where she impacted many people's lives. Her life of teaching expressed  the 4-H motto, "Making the Best Better!" Her commitment to her community was demonstrated by her involvement in the Extension and Community Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

As a faithful member of Wesley's Chapel, she expressed the essence of a servant's heart by always being there and giving it her all, as long as her health permitted. The genuine love she showed to others touched and changed many lives. She always looked forward to spending time with the friends she cultivated at Wesley's Chapel. From lunch dates to shopping trips and beach getaways, she could always depend on her "birthday ladies" to brighten her day.

As one of five siblings, her love for her brothers and sisters was apparent by her determination to plan family gatherings throughout the year. The trips to Sunset Harbor with her family always made her happy and at peace. One of her greatest joys was being "Mamma." She loved caring for her six grandchildren by spending time with them and teaching them how to sew, garden, can, and cook. As her health declined, the one constant happiness in her life was seeing her great-granddaughter smile and shout the word "love you." She was undoubtedly ready to go to Heaven and be in the entire presence of her Lord and Savior. The family is extremely grateful for the love, dedication, and care that Mrs. Carolyn Ballard has given to all of us during this time.

In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by; her husband, Henry Layton Ross; her sister, Linda Byrd; brother-in-law, Norman Ward; son-in-law, John Patrick Kelly. She is survived by daughter, Sandra Ross Cain (Terry); a son, Henry Layton "Hank" Ross Jr. (Shannon); six grandchildren; Grace Mireille Ross, John Patrick Kelly II, Leighanne Ross Melton (Hunter), Samuel Layne Ross, Karly Layton Ross, and Aldyn Luke Ross; great-grandchild, Kyleigh Jane Melton, three step grandchildren, Michael Lee Cain, Joey Lynn Cain (Nellie), and Tiffany S. Price (RI), Brothers; Jack (Betty)  Holmes, Richard(Judy)Holmes; Sister; Louise Ward; and by brothers-in-law; Harrel Byrd and Jack Anderson.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 18, at 3:00 pm at Wesley’s Chapel Church in Elizabethtown. Burial will follow the services in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to ……Wesley’s Chapel Memorial Fund, 2409 Peanut Plant Road, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 or Bladen County 4-H PO Box 249 Elizabethtown, NC 28337.