Harriett Ann King Ross, 95, died January 24th, 2025 in hospice care after a brief
illness. With her passing, we mourn the last of that generation of loving elders in our
family.
A lifelong resident of Durham, Harriett was born on March 4th,1929 to Harry
Rodin King and Lillian Chandler King. As an only child, Harriett and her mother
were particularly close, having spent a lot of time together while her father
traveled on business. Their home was an important part of her stories, which
always included her Gregson Street neighbors, walking to downtown Durham with
friends, and her years as a majorette at Durham High School. She attended
Virginia Intermont College, returning home to marry her high school sweetheart
Bobby in a beautiful Duke Chapel wedding.
The Rosses had three children and lived in a beautifully decorated home in Durham
for more than 60 years. Theirs was a long, solid marriage; a true partnership. While
Bobby was working on the tobacco markets, Harriett was the primary on-site parent,
managing busy kids and welcoming their many friends.
Later in his career, Bobby was a real estate professional, giving them much more
time to tackle house projects, barbecue chicken, and putter around together. As a
couple they faced great sadness when they lost two children to cancer in their early
40s. Harriett often called herself a “Steel Magnolia” – persevering with poise and
grace through whatever trials life handed her. Friends and family would echo that,
adding that she always looked stylish and beautiful. In recent years, Harriett loved
spending time with her family. She made her home at Brookdale Meadowmont for
the past year, and until recently was in excellent health.
Harriett is survived by her son Ron Ross; his daughter, Katie Ross and fiancé Joey
Sandine, his daughter Courtney Ross and husband Jamie Clark, her daughter-in-law
Susan Cranford Ross and husband Tom Hadzor; her grandchildren Andy Ross and
wife Katherine, Sarah Ross Nayak and husband Nik; and her son-in-law David
Thaxton. She was predeceased by her husband Bobby H. Ross Sr., her son Bobby
H. Ross Jr., and her daughter Linda Ross-Thaxton. She was dearly loved by her
children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and step
grandchildren.
A small private family service is planned later in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, friends
who wish to do so may make contributions to the Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice
Home of UNC Health Care, 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsburg, NC, 27312 or the Linda
Ross-Thaxton Endowment Fund at Trinity Presbyterian Avenue Church, 927 West
Trinity Avenue, Durham 27701.
