On February 28, 2026, Susie Ann Ross (Blakney) peacefully departed this life after a lengthy illness.  She was surrounded by her children.

Susie, affectionately known as "Momma Sus or Ms. Sue" was born on December 9, 1946, in Chesterfield, SC to the late Lester Blakney and Janie Belle Blakney (Redfern).

The Blakneys relocated to Baltimore, Md when Susie was three years of age. She was a proud graduate of Frederick Douglass High School. During her high school years, she participated in the swim team and was an avid swimmer. Susie continued her studies after high school, enrolling in nursing and became a certified nursing assistant.

Susie worked in the healthcare Industry as a nursing assistant for many years before enrolling into  Baltimore City Community College to study social work. While working on her social work degree, she worked with Baltimore City Schools Student Truancy Division, supporting at risk children and families.  

Susie dedicated her life to God at an early age. In later years, she rededicated her life and became a member of First Apostolic Faith Church. Susie became a member of the Eastern Star, Hiram Grand Lodge, in 2007.

Susie knew her purpose and the plan of God for life. She had the gift of love and compassion and she demonstrated it to everyone. She held a special place in her heart for everyone she knew. She known to give people nicknames-this was her way of showing you that she loved you.

Susie enjoyed watching sports. Her favorite team was the Baltimore Ravens. She also enjoyed spending time with family, dancing, cooking meals or going out to eat, talking on the phone to her children for hours, and last but not least, going to the Horseshoe & Atlantic City Casino.

More than anything else, Susie loved her children, Willie Myers Blakney (Bill), Michell Knight (Blakney), Kizzy Pittrell (Ross) and Keisha Ross and her four adopted children, Robert Brooks, Annette Gayson, Franklin Grayson and James Grayson. Susie was united in holy matrimony on October 14, 1975, to Larry Lee Ross who preceded her in death.

She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories with her children: Bill (Rhonda), Michell (Kelvin), KIzzy (Kennard) and Keisha; nine grandchildren, Cory, Jewel, Akeem, Rayona, Ayanna, Akeema, Kennedi, Destiny and Masai; three great-grandchildren; Peace, Byron & Zuri; two sisters-Glendora Taylor & Anna Frazier Curry; one sister-in-law- Mamie Blakney and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Lester & Janie Blakney, six siblings, Henry Blakney, William Blakney, Sarah Blakney, Shirley Moore, David and Margaret Blakney and her adopted son Franklin Grayson.