Mallie Ross III was born on September 12, 1951 in Valdosta, Georgia shortly after his twin sister Marice. His parents Mallie Ross Jr. and Gloria Ross were overjoyed with these bundles of joy. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Chicago, Illinois where “Skip” was created.

Skip had a fond memory of childhood card parties and family gatherings. His paternal grandmother Martha Jarmon (Bro) became a second mother until his maternal grandmother Lucille Copeland (Moma Ciel) arrived on the scene from Valdosta. Skip was always loved and adored by his elders, as the calm, cool, and collected twin.

Skip attended Corpus Christi Catholic School and went on to Hales Franciscan High School, where “Goldie” was created. Goldie could be seen on any given day in a hunter green velvet two piece suit, with leather boots and a fedora hat. Goldie loved the ladies, and he always had a beauty on his arm.

After high school his mother insisted that he work with his father at the Strick Trucking Company where he was a welder for years. He also attended classes at Olive Harvey College on the Southside.

One crisp fall evening “Goldie” was at a party when he spotted who would be the love of his life and his future wife. Joyce Denise Burse, a feisty, no nonsense girl was having none of the “Goldie” (ladies man) action, so shortly after their first date he proposed and a few years later on July 18,1977 they became one and she became Joyce Denise Ross.

Skip and Joyce navigated life as a young married couple like champs. Neither was perfect but they were perfect for each other. They had a love that stood the test of time. Skip always remembered the lessons of the Goodness of God from his catholic schooling. In the early 80’s he and Joyce accepted Christ as their personal savior and the head of their house, and for these two that made all the difference. Skip became an ordained minister in 1981 and went on to perform several weddings, funerals and guest pastor appearances and served as the assistant Minister at Christ Bible Center Church.

Skip enjoyed his church, family reunions, holidays at “mama’s house” and driving cab. Becoming an ordained minister was one of the highlights of his life. He lived to spread the word of the Lord, and he did just that.

Starting at Syl’s Livery Cab service, #33 started his career as a local cab driver on the Southside. This went on for 50 years as he ran his own successful transportation business. LONG before there was Uber, there was Skip and his cab.

Mallie “Skip’ Ross, had many people to impact his life; his devoted parents Mallie Jr. and Gloria; his loving wife Joyce Denise Ross, who all preceded him in death, his children Paul (Tracy), Diablo (Jannie), Karen (Vashon Sr.), April, Emmanuel and Maria; his siblings, Marice (his lifeline), Pamela (Donald), who preceded him in death, Quincy, Reginald (Karen), Mark, Gloria (Todd) and Anita; grandchildren Paul Jr., Trinity, Angel, Dru, Jamahd, Vashon Jr., Kimani, Jade, Hannah, Jeremiah, Jasmine, Isaiah, Caliah, Mia, Justin, Shante, Zion, Jada, Carlos, Destiny, Gary, and Miracle. Oneita, his love after the storm, was there showering him with unconditional love until very the end. Skip had many cousins, Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, great grandkids, friends, prayer partners and customers who he shared unimaginable bonds with. Mallie, Skip, Goldie, Syl 33, what a life!!!

Homegoing Service will be held on Saturday, September 26 at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ at 7158 S. Peoria, Chicago, at 4 p.m. Repast immediately following.