Dr. Marilyn J. Ross' Obituary
Dr. Marilyn J. Ross, 91 years young, of Key Biscayne, Florida, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024. Born on October 13, 1933, she was a devoted wife to her deceased husband, Michael I. Ross for 55 years and a loving mother to her 2 children, Sharyn L. Ross and Andrew D. Ross. Dr. Ross was a trail blazer. She began her college education in 1964, a most unusual direction for a married woman with 2 young children in the 60’s. After completing her Master’s degree in American Studies at the University of Miami, her Sociology Professor guided her to Florida Memorial College because of her academic interest in understanding the reasons for interracial friction in America. She immersed herself in the school’s African American culture. She was well known for encouraging and helping students to meet their greatest potential. She was inspired by the faculty and her students to pursue her Ph.D. at the University of Miami while continuing to teach at what is now Florida Memorial University. She received academic recognition as a published author with her two books: SUCCESS FACTORS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES AT A HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE and SUCCESS FACTORS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN AT A HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE. Marilyn loved her students and cared and admired the faculty and staff at FMU. She was the longest serving employee at FMU, retiring after fifty years in 2022. Dr. Ross was also included in Marquis Who’s Who. She was an active member in many national educational associations and the Rotary Club of Key Biscayne. Marilyn’s family are very proud of all her accomplishments. She not only taught them the importance of education, curiosity and independence, she also made sure they understood how precious life is and that it’s important to laugh and have fun. She loved swimming in the ocean and discovering the world through travel. Her family has many fond memories of trips together and spending traditional Jewish holidays together. She is survived by her daughter Sharyn L. Ross (husband, Jeffrey Thal) and her son, Andrew Ross (wife Andee Hope Ross), grandchildren Kathryn Thal (husband Jake Schnesel), Alexander Thal, Miller, Scarlett and Dashiel Ross, and great-granddaughter, Macyn Schnesel. The family request donations in memory of Dr. Marilyn J. Ross to Florida Memorial University, www.fmu.edu/about-fmu/administration/university-advancement/alumni-affairs/giving/. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at
1:00 p.m. at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 NW 25th Street, Doral, Florida 33172. Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel, (305) 932-2700.
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