Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson

A Celebration of the Life and Homegoing of

Vera Louise

Mason Ross Johnson

October 2, 1960 - April 1, 2014

Her Story His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:21

departed this life at her residence on Tuesday, April 1, 2014.

She was born on October 2, 1960 to the union of the late Hazel Green Mason and Clarence Mason, Sr. Vera accepted The Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a young girl and was baptized at the Nineveh Baptist Church of Kenner, LA, Pastored by the late Wilker Neal. Later in life, she became a member of the Fifth African Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dale J. Sanders.

Vera was educated in St. Charles Parish Schools where she attended Benjamin Elementary. She also attended Destrehan High School in Kenner, LA, and later attended New Orleans Trade School for Welding. Vera worked at Avondale Shipyard, Martin Wine Cellar and was a gifted cabinet maker in Reserve, LA. In 1984 she attended Stevenson Academy Barber & Beauty School, graduating to become a licensed Cosmetologist for over 25 years, but she was so much more than a hair stylist. Affectionately called Queen Vera by her family and Mama Vera on TV, she was a counselor, a sister to many, a devoted friend, a wife, a supporter, a great cook, a family woman, and she opened her home and heart to many, but most of all, she was the best mom in the world.

Vera leaves to cherish her precious memories two sons, Freddie Ross, Jr. and Adam Anthony Ross; one daughter, Crystal Antoinette Ross; one adopted son, Christopher A. Joseph, two step-children, Donald, Jr. and Bianca Johnson; two grandchildren, Curnaja Crista’l Every and Aiden Martin; four brothers, Clarence (Andrea) Mason, Jr., Howard (Barbara) Mason, Sr., Cedric (Juliana) Mason, Sr. and Raymond (Geraldine) Mason; one adopted brother, Percy Williams; step-mother, Laddie Mason; step-father, Freddie Gibbs; two step-sisters, Starlett Barbre and Irene Gibbs; aunts, Audrey (William) Grover, Joann, Hattie and Shirley Mason; uncles, Adam (Luther), Henry (Yvonne), Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2

014

Her Story Continued…

Alexander (Veronica), Alvin (Cynthia), Royal and Michael Mason; sister-in-law, Rhonda Mason; god-mother, Norman Jean Alfred; god-father, Joseph Farlough; godchildren, Kierra, Sickamo, Genitra, Tamiage, Nakia and Jackson; nieces, Dawn, Darya, Lashawn, Iesha and Linda Mason, Addison Brooks, Bethany Weathers, Natrishia, Nefferti and Nyeka Noel; nephews, DeKunta, Li’l Howard and Li’l Cedric Mason, Leonard Brooks and Christopher Noel; great nieces and nephews, Cardell, Genitra, Janisha, Isjane, George, Jaren, Darinique, Julius, Destiny, DeKunta, Jr., Imani, Ardell, Darrius, Carlton, Tyneika, Elrione, Brandon, Jr., Brashii, Bradli, Branjah, Jonquil, John A, John B., Maia, Robert, Nadia and Dejah; great-great nieces and nephews, Cardell, Jr., Jamie, Jaleah, Haven and Ky; devoted friends, Earl Cheatem, Alan Cassell, Bernard Jackson, Hollis Irvin, Keith Channey, Benjamin Mack; close friends (like sisters), Gail, Joann, Alice, Sheila, Shelita, Donna, Lisa, Laverne, Ms. Shelia, Monique, Trellis, Julie, Gizell, Trellis, Mama Mildred, Mama Rose, and daughters and Mama Ruth; the extended Johnson Family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, The Candy Beauty & Barber Salon Family and a host of relatives and friends.

Vera will also be missed by Fredie Ross, Sr. and Donald Ray Johnson, Sr.; her Ace-booncoon, cousin, sister, friend and confidant, Paula Hart.

Vera was preceded in death by her mother and father, Hazel and Clarence Mason, Sr., two brothers, Lawrence Mark and James Eric Mason; one sister, Debra Ann Brooks; four uncles, Louis, Peter and Roland Mason and Walter Brown; one nephew, Tommie Lee Brooks, Sr.; and one great-nephew, Jared Kendall Brooks.

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Fifth African Baptist Church Officiant: Rev. Dale Sanders, Pastor 3419 South Robertson Street * New Orleans, LA 70113 Saturday, April 12, 2014 * 10:00 AM

Organ Prelude Processional Ministers & Family Praise & Worship: Fifth African B.C. Choir Scripture Readings: Old & New Testament Prayer & Chant Mistress of Service ……………………………………………………………………………... Betty Grover Solo ……........................................................................................................................... Rance Scott Poem / Reflections …………………………………………………………………… Gail / Friend / Julius Words of Encouragement ……………………………………………………………………... Devin Mason Special Tribute ……………………………………………………………………………... Freddie Ross, Jr. Pressing Onward Family Words of Expression ……………………………………………………………………… Renee Davenpor

Musical Selection ………………………………………………… Gospel Soul Children of New Orleans Under the Leadership of Craig Adams Reading of Obituary & Acknowledgments …………………………………………………………………..

Solo ………………………………………………………………………….. Brandon (Roca B) McQuietor Eulogy ………………………………………………………………………………….. Pastor Dale Sanders Acknowledgement of Ministers ………………………………………………………... (2 Minutes Please) Parting View …………………… (Davell Crawford) ……………… Gertrude Geddis Willis in Charge

Benediction / Recessional Gertrude Geddis Willis Funeral Home In Charge

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Momma A love that started before we met A lifetime of promises that were always kept Kind and caring are your ways You always know the right things to say Life may not have been a crystal stair But you always showed how much you care

Whether it was with cakes or pies Or the beautiful twinkle in your eyes Sweet, loving, kind, and gentle You make life a little more special The woman you are is like no other I was truly blessed‌ When God made you my mother.

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Grandma Š Augustine Perez

Thank you for the gift of love.

Now you're sharing it up above.

You had many things to say, All in a caring way.

You always saw good in everyone, No matter what they've done.

You were always the one we could all lean on, even though it must have felt like a ton.

You were always the strength of the family. now we must let you rest calmly.

We say goodbye, as tears roll down our eyes.

I know your place in heaven has a good view. You're telling God, I need to keep an eye on a few.

I know you will always be in our hearts and minds. So Grandma, I must go, but I'll never forget you're one of a kind.

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Vera Louise Mason Ross Johnson October 2,

1960

– April

1, 2014

Honorary Pallbearers Freddie Ross, Jr. Adam A. Ross Donald R. Johnson, Jr. Christopher Joseph Donald Ray Johnson, Sr. Clarence Mason, Jr. Howard Mason Sr. Cedric Mason, Sr. Percy Williams Devon Hurst

Michael Mason Royal Mason Henry Mason Alexander Mason Alvin Mason Adam Mason Raymond Mason Curtis Every Freddie Gibbs Freddie Ross Sr.

Active Pallbearers Howard Mason, Jr. Cedric Mason, Jr. Cardell Hayes

Keion Mason DeKunta Mason

Acknowledgments We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone for every flower, card, phone call, text, visit, post, donation or any act of kindness shown. We pray that God will double your blessings.

Sincerely, The Ross Family

Jabari Mason Tyree Mason Nathiel Fields

Special Thanks Team Big Freedia, Diva and Dudes Management & Glam Squad & Staff, Fuse TV, World of Wonder Productions, Neyow’s, Ms. Barbara, LSU, Charity, University Health Care Family and Police Department, Charbonnet Funeral Home, Gertrude Geddis Wilis Funeral Home, Seal’s Class Act, Boss Hogg Ent., Glen Gaines, Mona’s Accent Flowers, Pikes Peak, Mark Bazile, City Hall, Chareen Hust, We Print 101, Pinn Stripe Brass Band, Inkwell Press and last but not least to all of our Mother’s many clients over 25 years, you have helped create her legacy with every perm, shampoo, color, cut, style and even jheri curl. We thank you and we love each and every one of you!

Arrangements Gertrude Geddis Willis

Internment Mount Olivet Cemetery

Repast Treme Center

2120 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70113

4000 Norman Mayer Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122

900 N. Villere Street New Orleans, LA 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Design & Printing by Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 or (504) 338-8753