Pastor Emeritus Wilbert Tross, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Wilbert Tross, Jr. was a man of distinction and honor who entered this world on March 25, 1929 and completed his journey on July 16, 2019. To the community, he was a leader, educator, visionary, and confidant. To his family, he was a provider, counselor, and shining example of a life everyone should purpose to live. He leaves a legacy of service and dedication that will never be forgotten. Born in Gretna, Louisiana, he was one of nine children and was a life-long resident of the Westbank of New Orleans, LA. He was educated at the former Gretna Colored Elementary School (Frederick Douglass), L.B. Landry High School in Algiers, LA, Xavier University of New Orleans, Tulane University, University of New Orleans, and Peabody-Vanderbilt University. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor’s of Divinity Degree and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Union Baptist Theological Seminary. Destined for a life of service, he enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1946-1947. He began his career in education as an elementary school teacher at McDonough #32 School and principal of Naval Station Elementary School. He became principal of L.B. Landry High School in 1970, serving the student body until 1974 and later served as Supervising Principal of George Washington Carver Complex from 1974-1979. Rev. Tross gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Gretna. He was ordained in ministry on July 2, 1976 at the New Hope Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board and as the Sunday School Superintendent. He answered the call to be the Pastor of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in 1979, to teach, preach, and lead the congregation. His vision, teaching, and leadership led many to accept Christ as their personal Savior. Through his vision, he led St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in rebuilding the original sanctuary and building the Mansfield Thompson Memorial and Administrative Annexes. Also, under his leadership, the first Black Baptist school on the Westbank, Faith Academy, was established and remained a prominent community fixture for more than 20 years. He implemented many ministries including a feeding ministry, clothing give-away, and scholarship ministry. Rev. Dr. Wilbert Tross, Jr. served as a member of Westside Missionary Baptist Association in many capacities for more than 30 years including President from 1997-2000. He worked untiringly to unite the Westbank communities and churches. Pastor Wilbert Tross, Jr. was a former member of O.J. Dunn Lodge #85,PHA, where he served as treasurer for many years. In 2010, after 31 years of honorable and dutiful service as Pastor of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Wilbert Tross, Jr. retired and affectionately earned the title Pastor Emeritus. He remained faithful until his health began to decline. Rev. Dr. Wilbert Tross, Jr. was blessed to be 90 years old when he passed away at West Jefferson Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Wilbert Tross, Sr. and Mrs. O’Lillian Divens Tross, adored wife of 45 years, Mercedes Jones Tross, his brother Ernest Tross, Sr. and his sisters Evelyn Kearns, Beatrice Tennyson, Dovado Smith, Helen T. Cole and brother-in-law Thomas Nuriddin. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of 17 years, Mamie Harvey Tross, devoted children: Beryl M. Tross, Brockton E. Tross (Stephanie), Jolyene T. Johnson, and Howard H. McDowell, beloved grandchildren: Ja’Nay M. Johnson, Brockton E. Tross Jr., and Avery J. Johnson, caring sisters: Shirley T. Jones, Verlyn T. Davis (Curtis), Doris T. Vance (Eugene), Shahidah T. Nuriddin, brothers-in-law:Herbert Cole and Ceophilus Jones (Delores), sister-in-law:Barbara Tross, and a host of doting nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to extend words of gratitude to West Jefferson Medical Center Staff, Davita Dialysis Center, and Able Life Care, Inc. for the exceptional care and services, which were provided. Relatives and friends of the family, pastors, officers and members of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, and all neighboring churches; members of Westside Missionary Baptist Association are invited to say farewell, bearing witness to a legacy of inspiration that will live on for generations. Remains will lie in repose at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, 6223 6th Ave. Marrero, LA on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 1:00pm- 7:00pm Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 10:00am Pastor Edward Joseph III, officiating; assisted by Westside Missionary Baptist Association, Rev. Dr. Orin D. Grant, Sr., President. VIEWING WILL BE HELD FROM 8am-10am ONLY. Interment: Restlawn Park Cemetery-Avondale, LA. Arrangements entrusted to Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St., Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please visit, www.davismortuaryservice.com.