Janice T. Ross

Janice Tomiko “Tiny” Ross, 45, of Springfield, MA, departed this life on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Mercy Medical Center.

Born in Boston, MA, on June 11, 1975, she was a daughter of David Ross Jr. and Michelle (Jeffries) Ross. She was a lifelong resident of Springfield since moving here as a baby.

Educated in Springfield Public Schools, she graduated from The High School of Commerce in 1994. She had also attended and graduated from area colleges; Holyoke Community College with her Associate’s in 1998, then transferred to Westfield State College and received a dual Bachelor’s in Political Science and Sociology in 2000 and went on to receive her Master’s in Public Administration at American International College in 2003. While attending school fulltime, she continued to work and raise children.

Janice has worked in various positions, and usually, at the same time. She worked in human services for over 20 years, including fostering children with her mother; as a CNA, mental health counselor, supervisor in residential homes and facilities for children and adults with mental health disorders and cognitive disabilities. She also worked in education as a Career Manager at Westover Job Corps. and Director of Student Activities at American International College. Her most recent employment was at Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary as a Paraprofessional before having to leave due to the increase in her lupus flare-ups.

Janice was full of life, always smiling, and always willing to help others if she could as well as pray. She was a member at St. John’s Congregational Church in Springfield, and her second church home was Bethany Assembly of God in Agawam. She was involved in several ministries at both churches. Outside of church, she would volunteer to feed the homeless at Friends of The Homeless and the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center, where she ministered and mentored young pregnant women and help them obtain necessities needed for themselves and their babies.

Janice’s favorite pastime was music. She loved to sing, listen to, or play it. Her favorites are gospel, old school, and opera. She also played various instruments.

Janice is pre-deceased by her brother, David Ross III; her maternal grandfather, Judson Lee Jeffries, Jr; and paternal grandmother, Louise Ross. Besides her parents, she is survived by her beloved son Gabriel Ross of Springfield, MA; her stepmother Michelle (Jimerson) Ross of Ludlow, MA; several sisters, and a host of family and friends to cherish her memory.

In lieu of flowers, it would be appreciated if donations could be made in Janice’s memory to the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center located at 704 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01118.

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