Loretta Gaenell Wilson, affectionately known as Shirley, age 86. Sunrise July 16, 1935 and Sunset July 2, 2022. Loretta was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia to Beatrice West and Theodore White. She began her Christian journey at an early age at Main St. Baptist Church in Clifton Forge, Virginia. She graduated from Jefferson High School, where she was voted most athletic and Miss Jefferson, after which she attended Cortez Peters Business School.
Soon after business school she moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she met and married Francis Ross, Sr. Out of that union she had Francis, Jr., Gina, Cynthia, and Henry. She was introduced
to Mt. Herman Baptist Church by her neighbor, Mary McBride, where she became a loyal member and active in the church choir. After the untimely passing of Francis Ross, Sr., she was
blessed to establish a union with Jack Wilson, Sr., and out of that union she had Mark and Karl. After the passing of her oldest son, Francis, Jr., they adopted Francis, III.
She retired from Value City Department Store where she worked as an associate. She was a devoted and loving mother, wife, and a devout Buckeye fan. She even babysat the now famous
Archie Griffin and his younger brother. In her free time she loved bowling, sewing, and reading.
Loretta is preceded in death by her parents Beatrice West Lewis and Theodore White, husbands Francis Ross, Sr. and Jack Wilson, Sr., son Francis Ross, Jr., and grandson Enriqué
Ross.
She is survived by her children Gina Smith (Russell), Cynthia Ross, Henry Ross, Mark Wilson (Maria), Karl Wilson (Kay), Francis Leon Ross, III (Bryana), bonus son Robert
DeJarnette (Dori), beloved cousins Madeline Callender and Natalie Murphy (Davis), her granddaughter Ashely Wilson, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, 2283 Sunbury Rd. Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Ross and Wilson Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
Rest well and love to you Mom Wilson. My prayers and condolences to everyone in the Ross/Wilson family. What an incredible matriarch and legacy to move forward.
To the family of Loretta Gaenell Wilson , please accept our deepest condolences for your family loss … . . From.Mother Rosa M Pinson
To the family of Loretta Gaenell Wilson, please accept our deepest condolences for your loss, and we morn with you all. May God continues to bless each and every one of you and we will keep you all in our prayers.
To my bonus mother. I love you. You will be missed, but never forgotten. May you Rest In Peace until we see each other again ❤️.
Mom Wilson, Thank You For Always Being There for My Girls and Myself, You made being a young Mother tolerable with your knowledge and wisdom. Thank You for being the best grandmother to all the kids. We Love You, And You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again.
To the Family, You have my deepest sympathy. Sis Wilson had a very sweet spirit and a smile to go with it. This is how she greeted you at Church. She will be miss. May the Lord comfort each of you during this sorrow. God Bless!!