Pauline Plummer Ross

A TIME TO BE BORN

Pauline Catherine Plummer Ross affectionately known as “SisBabe” was born August 5, 1922 second child born to the late Russell and Grace (Bessie) Plummer. 

A TIME TO LIVE

Pauline grew up and continued to live in the Stewartown Community.  She attended Stewartown Elementary Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School in Rockville, MD Class of 1940. She was employed by the Federal Government for 37 years retiring in 1977.  After federal retirement, Pauline became employed by Montgomery Ward where she worked for 10 years.

Pauline grew up in a household where two dominations of faith; Methodist and Catholic belief resided.  She was reared in the Catholic Church where she continued to be a faithful member of Saint Martin of Tours. 

It was always evident; Pauline was a strong independent person.  She exhibited her continue faith and taught her children how to become independent and self-sufficient citizen. She was the disciplinarian in the household knowing her husband was easy going and would likely chose another approach for discipline.

She often spoke about having to defend her childhood buddies Harry Thomas Stewart and George “Boyse” Duvall against neighborhood bullies.

Pauline followed her father’s tradition of planting a garden.  She was very proud of what she was able to grow and share all the while fighting the animals who wanted to partake in the fruits of her labor.

A TIME TO LOVE

Herman and Pauline, as the story has been told, became sweethearts in grade school.  In 1946, Pauline married her childhood sweetheart William Herman Ross. Through this union, two daughters Judy Ross (Deceased) and Amy Sommerville were born.  They shared many years together until the untimely death of Herman in 1974.

They briefly lived in Washington, DC but decided to return to live in the Stewartown community.  They purchased a lot from her father to build their home. Through toil and sacrifice they built their dream home on hill near her parents.  Being close to her parents provided many perks for her family.

Her father knew she like corn so he decided to plant a field of corn alongside of her home.

One of the challenges for Pauline was to keep her children from eating at their grandmother once she prepared a meal. They were afforded the opportunity to feast on Grandma’s delectable cooking while still pretending to be hungry when called to eat at home. She knew her mother had the reputation of being an excellent cook with the best homemade rolls in the community.  She likely knew they had already eaten but tried their best to eat her meals.

A TIME TO SERVE

Pauline was taught the value of caring for others in their time of need.  She cared for her parents during their illnesses and reached out to other family members when they needed care.

As a community activist, Pauline became involved in the Stewartown Civic Association which provided affordable housing for former community members or anyone wishing to live in the area. The Association was instrumental in the development of the Stewartown Homes.

A TIME FOR FUN

One of the traditions for Sunday afternoon in the summer was family members gathered pack a picnic basket and head to a beach or park. Fun time had by all.  On one occasion Herman who was a homebody and never went anywhere decided he would join in on the fun…a memorable moment for sure!

One of the social events each was the Rockville Carnival.  One attraction was the chance to win new automobile.  In 1948, the luck of the draw was Pauline who won the brand new Plymouth.  She expressed their reluctance to give her the car as she didn’t fit the profile of previous winners.  It seems her win was the talk of the community and still mentioned by those around at that time.

Back yard cookouts were some of the summer events for family and friends. Margaret her sister who lived in DC enjoyed visiting while Sam (her husband) became the grill master.  Lasting beautiful memories were created was had by all. 

In her later years, she became a social butterfly thanks to her new found friend Clarence “Pint” Isreal.  They both often shared the story of his former wife and Pauline shared the same hospital room when their children were born on the same day.  She loved going to dances, cookouts and traveling. She was fortunate to travel to Hawaii, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean and other fun places to include a couple of cruise ship adventures.  With a nephew playing professional football she became a sports fan also enjoyed watching Bullets/Wizard basketball games and the Williams’ sister playing tennis.

She enjoyed traveling with friend Virginia to Palm Coast, Florida to assist in decorating Lawrence and Virginia Dyson new home.

A TIME TO DIE

Pauline made her transition on July 22, 2019 at her residence in Gaithersburg, MD.  She endured her life journey with faith, love, grace and strength. Now she will receive her reward as a faithful servant.  She will join her parents, husband, daughter, siblings, family and friends.  Rest in heavenly peace….

A TIME TO MOURN

She leaves to cherish her precious life and memories daughter Amy Sommerville: Godson Elton Campbell and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Pauline predeceased by her husband William Herman Ross; daughter Judy Ross; parents Russell and Grace “Bessie” Plummer and siblings Margaret Mason, John “Brother Babe” Plummer, Paul Plummer and Grace Greene. 

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