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Jean Horn Ross went home to be with the Lord on June 3, 2024. Jean was born on July 17, 1925 to Lacy Gray and Bertha Lillian Horn in Magee, MS. Jean had four siblings who loved each other so much that the tradition of “Horn Christmas” that started when the children returned to Magee to see each other and their mom and dad continues to this day 76 years later represented by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Mary Ruth, Gebe, Jean, Willie Grace and Paul. Jean graduated from Magee High School at 16 years old and completed her college education at Mississippi College with a major in Biology and a minor in math. While at Mississippi College, she was voted a beauty in a pageant judged by Bob Hope, she served as a Senior class officer and was part of the first co-educational class.
Jean left Magee by train to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was in the inaugural Master’s Program for Public Health. Her father had read about the program in the newspaper and encouraged Jean to apply. She considered this experience in North Carolina as one her most treasured. Jean returned home to Mississippi to begin her career. She provided public health education programs throughout the Mississippi Delta. Jean was a trailblazer in her educational and career pursuits.
On November 16, 1947 Jean married Knox Ross, a state auditor from Pelahatchie, Mississippi. They settled there and as their family grew, Jean decided to start her own business in Pelahatchie. Jean opened a clothing store originally called Ross Clothing Store and later Knox’s which she operated for 32 years until her retirement. Jean always had a heart for people and her community. She remained active in her church as a longtime Sunday School Teacher and created a Knitting Ministry out of her home. Jean leaves behind four children, 10 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. To all of them she has given the most precious tradition of her mother’s teacakes. There were always cookies in the cookie jar! The recipe has been passed down through the generations. Jean’s positive outlook on life and her faith in God is her greatest legacy to her children and friends.
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Her smile is always what I think of first when I think of Ms Jean. A loving person. She loved missions and was active in the WMU of Pelahatchie Baptist. She will be missed by the community!!