The word "no" did not dictate the life of Norma J. Ross.
"Anything was possible on any level. Regardless of what it was," said Norma's daughter, Jenell Ross. "She always let me know that I could strive and do whatever it was that I wanted to do as an African-American woman."
Mrs. Ross, president and CEO of Bob Ross Buick GMC and Ross Motorcars, died Friday, April 23.
Mrs. Ross was in her Centerville home when she died about 4 a.m., according to her cousin Glenn "Skip" Ross. She died after an eight-year battle with breast cancer. She was 75.
Mrs. Ross was the only black woman in the world to own a Mercedes-Benz franchise and the only black woman to own a Buick and GMC franchise in Ohio, according to her daughter, Jenell Ross, vice-president of Ross Motor Cars.
Other survivors include son Robert Ross Jr., son-in-law Tony Hall, mother Evelyn Henderson, 93, and two sisters and a brother.
Mrs. Ross met her late husband Robert P. Ross when they both were in high school in Richmond, Ind. Mr. Ross came to Dayton in 1979 to sell Buick and Mercedes Benz models after operating a Buick dealership in Richmond, Ind. GMC and Hummer brands were later added, and now Ross Motor Cars is operated at 1 Loop Road.
Mrs. Ross, a former Dayton Public School teacher and curriculum consultant, took over as president when Mr. Ross died in 1997. Her two children became vice presidents.
"Clearly, she was a pioneer and a very successful business woman and very supportive of our community in so many ways," said Channon Lemon, director of the Minority Economic Development Council. Lemon also praised Mrs. Ross for being a mentor to young people
"Her efforts will be an enduring contribution to our community," Lemon said.
Robert Ross Jr. said his mother used to tell him that "the best place to look for a helping hand is at the end of your own arm." But Mrs. Ross tried to help others, especially youth. As a trustee on the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra board, Mrs. Ross would provide young people with tickets to various art events, her son said.
"She really cared about people, especially those that were closest to her," said Mrs. Ross's longtime friend and administrative assistant Linda Davis. She viewed Mrs. Ross as a sister. Both women had their children and were diagnosed with breast cancer around the same time. "She was a very caring, very protective (of her children). She wanted her children to be happy and successful."
Mrs. Ross received a degree in elementary education from Earlham College. In 2001, Mrs. Ross was chosen as one of the Dayton Daily News' Ten Top Women. Jenell would later receive the same honor in 2008.
In 2005, Mrs. Ross received the Tom Joyner Hardest Working Minority Businesses Award. She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and a co-founder and trustee of the Action Youth Outreach program.
The family is establishing "The Norma J. Ross Youth Foundation" to benefit deserving youth in the community. Contributions to the Norma J. Ross Foundation may be sent to 85 Loop Road Centerville, Ohio 45459 in honor of Mrs. Norma J. Ross.
Services will take place on Thursday, April 29. The Memorial will begin at 10:00 am followed by the viewing until 1:00 pm. The funeral will commence at 1:00 pm. Directions from the church to the internment and repass will be provided at the church.
Funeral Home
House of Wheat Funeral Home
2107 North Gettysburg Avenue
Dayton, Ohio
937-274-1693
Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church
125 North Wilkinson Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
937-223-7285
Following the service, the internment will be at:
Woodland Cemetery/Mausoleum
118 Woodland Avenue
Dayton, Ohio
937-222-1431
Following the internment, the repass will be held at:
Dayton Convention Center
22 East Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
937-333-4700