Mrs. Wilda Mae Ross

Mrs. Wilda Mae Alsandor Ross On Friday October 13, 2023, our Mother and Matriarch of our family, rejoined our Father Charles and our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ. Wilda Mae Ross, often referred to as Mae by her closest family members, was born on July 12th, 1935, to Wilton and Lillian Alsandor. She was raised in Opelousas with her 4 siblings, all boys, Wilton, Wallace, James and Daniel. She would later have 4 boys of her own. She attended Holy Ghost school, where she met the love of her life Charles Ross. She oftentimes joked that because she was younger, the girls in his class did their best to sabotage their relationship, but she was having none of it. Those that know her well would agree, there was a side of her that you didn’t want to mess with. She stole his heart from his older classmates and became his wife on April 7, 1953. Charles and Wilda had 4 sons, Glenn, Kevin, Dwayne, and Chuck. When we say her world revolved around her boys, that’s an understatement. One might say she loved her boys equally and unconditionally. Well, the unconditional part is true, but the family knows, she did have her favorite, who we won’t mention today. LOL. That didn’t end as we grew into men. She continued to direct and guide us even from her sick bed as her health began to fail. Each son gave her 2 grandchildren who she adored. Wilda was considered a home body, much preferring to stay close to home and operate from behind the scenes. She loved cooking and always left us full and looking forward to the next meal. She was almost the complete opposite of our dad, who ya’ll know was a very admired and recognized public figure. Her tireless work behind the scenes is what allowed him to be the adored public figure our community came to know. But don’t ever mistake who ran things on Melancon St. That would be our mom. In her youth, she did venture away from home periodically to be a part of a local Social Club. There she created several lifelong friends, Grace, Patsy, Barbara, Rose and Mary Ann to name a few. As her boys aged, she tended to spend most of her time having them over or traveling to visit them wherever they resided. Those that knew her would attest to the fact that they were shocked every time she got on a plane and travelled cause that was completely against her nature. But it showed the extent to which she would get out of her comfort zone to be with her boys. She went on multiple vacations to Cancun with Kevin and Dwayne and visited Los Angeles, New Orleans and Austin frequently. She even travelled to Europe, an experience she enjoyed sharing for the rest of her life. Her final years were challenging as her health began to wane, but that didn’t change her from directing and advising us from bed. Ask Glenn about that. Her homebody nature had her content and accepting of an existence many would find hopeless. Glenn, our hero, became the caregiver of Mama and Daddy until he passed away a couple years ago. She continued living with Glenn until about 8 months ago when we decided to place her at Prompt Succor, the local nursing home. We were very skeptical about that change, fearing that it might bring on her quick demise. On the contrary, she became more vibrant and content. She constantly spoke highly of all her care givers there and the nuns who frequently visited her. She developed a great relationship with Father Justin, who visited her at home before going to Prompt Succor, then prayed with her at the weekly masses she was adamant about attending. But it was Brittany who became the closest to her at Prompt Succor. She enjoyed her company immensely and often said she’s like a daughter to me. Having Brittany there was like having a family member on the staff constantly looking after her needs. This gave us a great sense of security. We’d also like to express our sincere thanks, and appreciation to Mary “Sis” Doucet for her dedication in visiting Mom each and every Sunday, providing her with holy communion as well as heartfelt prayers and comforting words. She is survived by her 4 sons, Glenn Ross (Laverne deceased), Kevin Ross (Lori), Dwayne Ross (Maria), and Chuck Ross (Monica); 7 grandchildren, Kerrie Ross, Kevin C Ross, Kai Ross, Sydney Ross, Jonathan Ross, Charles M Ross, and Chloe Ross; 2 great grandchildren, Melvin Taylor and Princeton Ross (Plus one in the oven from Kevin C and Cristo); 1 brother, JC Alsandor (Quanita); nieces and nephews, Robin Alsandor, James Alsandor, Davonia Simien, Danielle Alsandor and Gerard Alsandor; close cousins, Janice Taylor, Jackie Espree, Brenda Durham and Maria Thomas of California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilton and Lillian Alsandor; brothers, Wilton Jr., Wallace and Daniel; daughter-in-law, Laverne Ross and a grandson, Glenn Ross. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, LA. Visiting hour will be observed from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA. A Rosary will be recited at 8:45 AM. Interment will be in Bellevue Memorial Park. Rev. Justin Arockiasamy, S.V.D. will officiate at the Mass of Christian burial. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Mrs. Wilda Mae Ross

July 12, 1935 - October 13, 2023