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Obituary for THEODORE FRANKLIN GROSS
After 71 years living on this earth, Theodore Franklin Gross, born August 19, 1941 to the late Thomas Edward Gross and late Mary Elizabeth Jones Gross Cleveland in Anne Arundel County, MD, transferred his residence to the Kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. During his precious time on earth Theodore adopted the name 'hat' given to him by his mom, because when males would visit the home and take off their hats he would put it on his head, and, to this day Theodore's outfit would not be complete without a hat. Theodore received his education in Anne Arundel County Public school system, and graduated from Waley Bates High School in 1958. God blessed his hands and upon graduation he found his niche in construction. Theodore joined the United States Army in 1964 and was stationed in Vietnam. During that time he was joined in Holy matrimony to Jessie Ilean Brown. Theodore loved his country and was proud of his service to his country, he had the highest regard for our American Flag. After being honorably discharged from the army in 1966, he resided in Calvert County, MD, and returned to his calling in the field of construction where he found his passion in concrete, became the expert, and started his own business, Gross & Sons. Theodore was extremely particular about his work, and was always willing to lend a helping hand and share his advice. Upon his retirement he sold Gross & Son's to Gross and Brown Enterprises LLC. Theodore was very pleasant and had a lively personality. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He had a great love for baseball and could often be found attending ball games. He was also a BIG Redskins’ fan. He spent most of his spare time shooting pool, playing cards, watching sports and cooking his favorite foods. He was very selective about where and what he ate. He only ate from a select few. And you know who you are. Theodore joined the American Legions Gray-Ray Post 220 in 1987, where he remained a faithful and active member until his illness. Theodore loved the Lord and gave his life to Christ in June of 2011. He understood the favor of the Lord and embraced his jounrney. Through his tests and trials, Theodore engrossed himself in the Word of God and found comfort in the promises of God expressed through word and song. “The Upper Room” and “Amazing Grace” by, Mahalia Jackson were his favorite songs. At the time of his transformation, Theodore was a member of Patuxent United Methodist Church. Preparation for this transformation have been in place for awhile for God knew He had to take His time and prepare a place for a man like Theodore who had a gift for construction; a place he would appreciate; a place built with material by the Master Builder, Jesus Christ, who has been taking His time to provide a mansion for Theodore. It is situated in a beautiful neighborhood where all the residences are called Saints and if you know Jesus Christ, when God is ready for you, Theodore will greet you just inside the gate. He leaves to cherish his memories, his passion, his steps, his legacy: devoted and lifelong friend Clarice “Birdeye”Brooks Birdie as he so lovingly called her; his children, Renee “Bootsie”Smith, Leslie D Gross, (Daughter-in-Law Terry) Jermaine Gross, and Theodore “Daryl” Gross; Brother, John Cleveland; Sister, Alice ; Brother, Folger (jimmy) Gross, (Marie) sister-in-law, Ruth Coates ; grandchildren, Terrell Banister, Tia Gross, Tara Hall, Jermaine Gross Jr., and Minixia Gross; goddaughters, Dawn Miles and Domonique Allen; godson, Sayvion Allen; Devoted friends, Leroy Dailey and Woodrow Parker Jr. & Clairice Hall; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Theodore was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Edward Gross and Mary Elizabeth Jones Gross Cleveland; brothers Robert “Bobbie” Gross, Leroy Gross, and Lemuel Coates; and sister Mary Francis Gross Parran.
