Frances Ross

Columbia, SC - - Frances R. Ross, 78, of Columbia, entered her eternal home on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Born on September 11, 1948, in Gaffney, SC, she was the daughter of John S. Reaves and Florence Hamrick Reaves. She was a graduate of Gaffney High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Converse University in Spartanburg, SC. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Ross had a wonderful career spanning more than three decades as a child protective services case worker for the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Her experience, skill, and training allowed her to serve as a qualified expert in family court cases.

Mrs. Ross was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia where she delivered flowers and visited with homebound church members. She volunteered for the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center by delivering needed supplies to the homes of our veterans following their discharge from the hospital. Mrs. Ross previously served as the Director Emeritus for The Fullerton Foundation, a private foundation in Gaffney, SC. In her spare time her hobbies included golfing, birdwatching, walking, and spending quality time with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ross was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Ross and her brother, John S. Reaves, Jr. She is survived by her second family, Mary Carlisle McLeod Benson and her husband, Donald, as well as their children, Strahley and Carlisle; cousins, who always considered Frances more of an aunt, Peden Brown McLeod, Jr., Lane McLeod Perry, John Reaves McLeod, and their families. She also leaves behind Ray’s children in Ohio, Kyle Ross, Kim Ross Polito, Kip Ross, and their families.

The graveside service for Mrs. Ross will be held at 11:30 o'clock, Friday, November 20th at Oakland Cemetery, 2nd Street, Gaffney, SC 29340 directed by Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory in Gaffney, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209 or the charity of one’s choice.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family locally.

Courtesy of Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC