Sallie Mae Bostic Gross

Obituary For Sallie Mae Bostic Gross

Sallie Mae Bostic Gross embraced the Joy of Life, served Him faithfully and shared His love with her family, friends and community until she received the crown of life and her glorified body on June 28, 2021. Born on May 1, 1930, in Bartow, Georgia, Sallie was the oldest of four children born to the late Louis and Georgia Ann Chapman Bostic. Sallie was educated in the Jefferson County School System. She began working as a seamstress at Wadley Shirt Factory to help care for her siblings and family. There, she mentored other young women about faith, family and friendship until her retirement. Sallie accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at Pierce Grove Baptist Church. She was a lifelong member of Pierce Grove, who dedicated her life to active ministry service and to being “the hands and feet of Jesus.” At Pierce Grove, Sallie was Mother of the Church and also served in the Deaconess Ministry, Missionary Ministry, Sr. Usher Board, Youth Advisor, Willing Workers member, Busy Bee member, Fair and Honest Society, and Junior Usher Board Advisor. Affectionately called Ms. Sallie by her church family, one of her greatest pleasures was to load up her vehicle with youth from the church and the neighborhood taking them to various church programs and community celebrations. Ms. Sallie was known to carry small books of poems, psalms and readings and to encourage her grandchildren and other youth to select a poem or song to read or sing and request to be added to a church program. Her faithfulness to God and her fellow man is etched in the hearts of thousands who recall fondly the song in her voice during church service saying, “My Lord, Have Mercy Lord.” Sallie married the love of her life, Horace “Sam” Gross, Jr. Sallie and Sam were blessed with six children. Together, Sallie and Sam enjoyed connecting with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends near and far. Sallie was known for her Sunday dinners and family reunion meals with at least three meats and six sides. She took pride in meals and conversation shared by immediate and extended family around her dining room table. After dinner, Sallie could often be found nodding off in a corner and awakening to engage in the conversation without missing a beat. Sallie believed in giving, being and looking her very best. She was the quintessential matriarch of her family, her church and her community – nurturing, grooming and preparing others. Sallie’s favorite song was “Shine on Me” and her radiant light was a reflection of God’s love for us all. Her legacy is one of love, laughter and life well lived. Sallie was an exceptional gift - truly God’s best. Sallie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Horace Gross, Sr.; and by her siblings: Robert Louis, Jimmie Lee, and Hattie Ruth. Those holding on to fond memories of their time together include her children Horace Gross, Jr.; Edward (Juanita) Gross, Charleston SC; Mamie Ross, Augusta, GA; Imogene Butler, Miami, FL; Louis (Chloe) Gross, Sumter, SC; Henry Gross, Wadley, GA; and Patricia Bostic; her seventeen grandchildren: Lynthia Ross, Cynthia Bostic, Mark White, Monique (Barry) Covin, Tyler Gross, Contisa (Ronald) Jessie, Christina Gross, Louis Gross, Jr., Lauren Gross, Corey (Felicia) Gross, Alicia (Marion) Gross, Bria Gross, Terry Heggs, Rhonda Heggs, Takisha Heggs, Randall Gross, and Ronald (Rebecca) Brockington; her thirteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Funeral services will be held at Pierce Grove Baptist Church on Friday, July 2, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., with CDC guidelines observed. Pastor Christopher A. Moore will be the eulogist. Public viewing will be Thursday, July 1 after 3:00pm.