Natalie Price Ross

Mrs. Natalie Price Ross 87, of Indian Trail , NC. passed away Wednesday January 26, 2017 at Novant Health – Matthews. Memorial service will be held Sunday January 29, 2017 at Rock Hill AME  Zion Church 2723 W.Lawyers Rd. Indian Trail , NC 28079. Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm and the service will follow at 1:00 pm.

For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. — II Timothy 4:6 & 7.

Natalie Price Ross, 87 of Indian Trail, NC was welcomed home to her Lord and Savior on early Thursday morning, January 26^th 2017.  Born May 28th,1929 in Baltimore, MD to Hortense (Conway) and Charles D. Price, she married the love of her life, Elliott P. Ross on August 16, 1953.  They were together for 63 years.

A Douglass High School (class of 1946) graduate, Natalie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Coppin State University in Baltimore (1950) and a Master’s Degree in Education also from Coppin State University in the late 1970’s.

Having come from a line of educators, Nat (as she was affectionately known) developed a passion for teaching and had the opportunity to share this love in various life positions.  She taught First and Second grade in the Arundel County schools from 1952 to 1972, and then in the Baltimore City Public Schools from1972 to 1976 before taking a position in the Office of Student Placement for Baltimore City Public Schools from 1976 until her retirement in 1993.  After retirement, Natalie continued in education and became a Tutor for struggling elementary in Baltimore City Public Schools and for Sylvan Learning Center.   Natalie also taught Sunday School for about 10 years at Holy Family Catholic Church in Randallstown, MD.  She rejoiced in seeing children flourish from her teaching.

Once moving to Indian Trail, NC in 2004, Natalie joined St. Luke Catholic Church, but also enjoyed visiting the congregation her husband attended, Rock Hill AME Zion Church.  Natalie professed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She joined Rock Hill AME Zion Church in the spring of 2016.

Throughout the years, Natalie has enjoyed reading, going to the family beach house in Ocean City, NJ, talking to friends and relatives on the phone, decorating, doing puzzles and of course “shopping.”   She was a caring and devoted mother to Kyra and Mark (who proceeded her in death).  When her granddaughter Jouel was born, she became her “joy of her life” as she followed and supported her through recitals and school activities.  Natalie became a grandparent again, this time to Seth when Kyra married Dwight Gartrell (known as her second son). She was also blessed with two great grandsons, Cameron and Ezra from Seth and Amanda, and a new grandson-in-law, Spencer when Jouel recently married last October.

Natalie had several “adopted children and grandchildren” who she loved, Allan, Rose, Candance and Matthew Harris, Tony, Jacqueline, and Anthony Smith and the Pegram family.   She and the pastor’s wife were “drawn” to each other and Natalie truly found a friend and sister in Mrs. Helen McDougald.

Natalie will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Natalie leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband, Elliott (affectionately known as “Biggie”); her loving daughter Kyra and her husband Dwight Gartrell; granddaughter, Jouel and grand son-in-law Spencer Taylor; grandson, Seth Gartrell and  grand daughter-in-law Amanda along with great grandsons Cameron and Ezra; a faithful niece Traci McNair; nephew Craig Ross, God-children – Joseph Conway, William (Bill) Conway and Sharon Green,  as well as many other relatives and friends.