Mrs. Lynette Gabriel Ross of 910 Pateville Heights Court, Cordele, Georgia, died Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Antebellum Arlington Place in Macon, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the sanctuary of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Macedonia Church Cemetery, Drayton Community, Vienna, Georgia.

Deaconess Lynette Gabriel Ross, affectionately known as "Lye," was born on November 27, 1935, in the Sardis community of Timmonsville, SC. She was one of twelve children born to the late Monroe and Renetta Scott Gabriel. From an early age, Lye was nurtured in a loving family environment that  valued education and faith. At the tender age of six, she began her educational journey, proudly wearing a homemade jumper suit and carrying a beige shoulder "book sack," both crafted by her mother.

Lye's spiritual journey began at New Zion Baptist Church in the Sardis Community, where she accepted Christ at the age of 10. Her active participation in church activities included singing in the choir, serving on the youth usher board, and fulfilling the role of Recorder in Sunday School. Her upbringing also included attendance at St. Luke AME Church. Her parents instilled in her the importance of both church school and public school in  developing Christian character and good citizenship.

After relocating to New Jersey, Lye pursued a career in nursing, attending The School for Nursing through the VA Hospital. Her dedication led to a rewarding 25-year tenure there, along with positions at other hospitals such as Beth Israel in Newark, New Jersey. Lye worked diligently in various part-time roles to support her family, demonstrating resilience and commitment.

It was at the VA Hospital in Orange, NJ, where Lye met her  husband, Deacon Royal Ross. Known affectionately as "Mr. R" by the children, he was truly the love of her life. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion.

After retiring, Lye and Royal moved to Cordele, GA, where she became an active member of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. She served as a Deaconess, member of the Mission and worked faithfully with the Youth Department. Lye had a passion for flowers, decorating, baking, and making bows—a hobby she picked up while working part-time at Flint River Pottery. Her creativity extended to sewing, quilting, and     crocheting blankets. She also enjoyed playing Pokeno with her neighbors, cherishing these moments of community and friendship.

Deaconess Lynette Gabriel Ross's life was a tapestry of love, faith, and service. She shared her life with her beloved Royal until his passing on March 16, 2008. On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Lye transitioned to a life free of pain and suffering, leaving behind cherished memories for her family and friends.

Her legacy lives on through her loving children: Marilyn Lee of Atlanta, GA, Jarritt Lee of Cordele, GA and Robin Lawrence of New York, NY; her beloved grandchildren: Thurrayah (Nika) Bryant of Cordele, GA, Tarik (Tahira) Lee and Tiere Moulton of Atlanta, GA, Elijah Lee of Cordele, GA, Kahir Lee, Keyshawn Lee, and Jayla Lee of Albany, GA, and Zhunniyah Barnes of Perry, GA: 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; her loving sisters: Sadie (Anthony) Davis of North Carolina, Mary (Edward) Langley of Newark, NJ, and Lunette Gabriel of New Jersey; her beloved brother, Mitchell Gabriel of New York; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Gabriel of Maryland, and Wilahamenia Gabriel of New York; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many sorrowing friends.

Preceding her in death were her siblings: James M. Gabriel, Marion Gabriel, Reverend Robie Gabriel, Clara M. Gabriel James, and three  others. Lye's life is a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and community. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her.