Johnita L. Ross

Johnita L. Ross was born on June 25, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio to her late mother Shirley Ann Ross Clay and late father John "Bunchie" Perry. Johnita was raised in Winton Terrace by her mother and late stepfather Archie Clay Jr. Johnita, also known as “Big Nit” by her siblings and friends, attended various schools throughout her youth beginning with Winton Terrence Elementary school, followed by Campbell Junior High and lastly, Aiken High School where she graduated in 1975.

Johnita gained the nickname “Big Nit” for her big presence and great influence while growing up in Winton Terrace. Even though most friends and family know Johnita by her nickname, God gave Johnita another title as she became a loving mother on July 9, 1977, giving birth to her first-born, a son by the name of Bernardo Evans Crosby. Shortly after, Johnita gave birth to her second child, a daughter by the name of Jonova T. Ross on March 28, 1979. Besides Bernardo and Jonova being the love of Johnita’s life, Johnita also shared a love for her children’s father Gerald “Ronnie” Crosby. Johnita and Gerald were considered married by common law during their years together.

Johnita was always known as a hard worker starting with her first job at NYC and later becoming an employee of custodial services during her adult years. Besides working, Johnita spent her time traveling between cities, mainly Cincinnati, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky. In Cincinnati, Johnita experienced some of her most precious moments including visiting various casinos and enjoying nightly boat rides. In Louisville, Johnita shared stories told by her mother about the late boxer Muhammad Ali while also enjoying the highlights of the Kentucky Derby events.

Although, Johnita spent her childhood and teenage years attending church, she developed a personal relationship with Christ during her adult years. Johnita attended Freeman Mother of Christ Church during her time in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended St. Stephen Baptist Church during her time in Louisville, Kentucky.

Johnita spent the last of her days at Baptist Health Floyd Hospital in Albany, Indiana with the comfort of her daughter and son by her side. Johnita will live the rest of  her heavenly eternal life greeted by her loved ones who preceded in her death: twin sisters Sheila Clay and one who was not named, sister Regina L. Clay Shoulders, mother Shirley A. Ross Clay, father John "Bunchie" Perry, stepfather Archie Clay Jr. along with other family members who preceded her in death: Archie Clay Sr., Freddie Mae Holland Clay, Beverly Clay, Diana R. Allmond (Leah), Russell M. Dishman, Ethel M. Dishman, William “Bill” Dishman, Stanley Dishman, Pearline Wallace Dishman Jones, Jennie Mae Williams Sanders, Charles Phillip Clay, Michael Howard, Robert Williams Sr., Laura (Jackie) Williams, Buster Williams, George Williams, Gerald “Ronnie” Crosby and a host of other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Johnita lived a long fruitful life, leaving behind to cherish her legacy: her son, daughter, two grandchildren Devontay M. English and Taulana Smith and three great-grandchildren along with her siblings Rodney A. Clay, Chauncey B. Clay, Edward (Eddie) V. Clay, Sonia M. Clay (Craig), Marisa L. Clay (Williams) and Vitina M. Holmes. Other loving family members that will cherish her memory include Gloria D. Clay, Don Williams, Rosalind Williams, Gwendolyn Hefflin Thomas, Brenda Williams Lewis, Robert Gerald Williams Jr., Jan (Janice) Williams, Darryl Williams, Lawrence Dennis Williams, Donald and Ada Clay Patricia Dishman, Stephanie (Gerry) Wilson, Keith Buster and Reginald Dishman, William Jr., Chantelle and Aaron Dishman, Frankie J. Thomas and a host of aunts, uncles,  nieces, nephews and cousins including members of the Phoenix and Adams family.

Johnita will always be remembered for being a loving daughter, sister, niece, aunt, mother, and grandmother. She will be recognized for her gorgeous smile, loving heart, amazing soul food cooking and most of all missed by her friends, family and those who knew her best.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4)

Quotes from the Children: “I miss you mother and I love you”

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. 

Interment will follow at Landmark Memorial Gardens.

In keeping with CDC Covid19 Guidelines, we encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

To share a memory of Johnita or leave a special message for the Ross family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."  

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ross family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information. 

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