Judge Ross was a beautiful mind. She was an honor graduate of Monticello High School before earning her baccalaureate degree from Hendrix College in Conway. She also studied abroad at the University of London, and the University of Madrid. Through her travels, she enjoyed many plays and fell in love with Edinburgh, Scotland. She earned her Juris Doctorate of Law from the James E. Beasley School of Law at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Judge Ross was an incessant servant. She began her public service as a staff attorney at Central Arkansas Legal Services in Little Rock. She also served as a deputy prosecutor for both the 10th and 11th Judicial Districts. She worked in the Arkansas Attorney General's Office in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit as deputy attorney general. She additionally served as a staff attorney with the Office of Child Support Enforcement, while maintaining a private practice at the Ross Law Firm of Monticello.
Judge Ross relished her role as a professor. She was an associate professor of law at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, where she also served as the faculty adviser to the Black Law Student
Association. She coached the mock trial team to a national championship title in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. She received both the Professor of the Year and Coach of the Year Awards. She published an article on stand your ground laws in the 2007 edition of the Southern University Law Review. In addition to her time at Faulkner Law, she taught as an adjunct professor at Philander Smith College, University of Arkansas (Monticello), and at the University of Arkansas (Little Rock), William H. Bowen School of Law.
However, Judge Ross was drawn back to public service. So, after being appointed in 2012, in December 2014 she completed her term as Drew County District Court Judge, before announcing her ultimately successful bid to seek the position of 10th Judicial Circuit Judge, a position she would have assumed January 2017.
Judge Ross was a very accomplished and respected jurist. She was the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce 2014 Woman of the Year and was a recipient of the NAACP 2013 Leadership Award. She was a member of the Arkansas Bar Association, the W. Harold Flowers Law Society, and SEALI, the bar association for Southeast Arkansas.
Judge Ross loved the Lord and grew up as a child at Pilgrim Rest AME. In July 1983, she obeyed the Gospel of Christ and became a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Monticello. She taught Bible classes for women, and was a keynote speaker at women's fellowship programs throughout the South. She enjoyed singing and was a member of several Christian a cappella groups, including: Virtuous, The Lewis Street Radio Chorus, and Vision.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her brother, Robert "Linell" (Carolyn) Binns of Monticello. She leaves devoted siblings: Calla (Joseph) Fisher, of Parsons, TN; Dewey Binns of Monticello; Quincey Ross of Granbury, TX; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, and one very special cousin and friend, Vickey Jacobs.
One of her favorite passages of scripture is found in Micah 6:8, "He hath showed thee, O man, what was good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Visitation will be held Friday, December 9, 2016 from 6-8 pm at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at Monticello Middle School on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Kennedy Blvd. Cemetery in Monticello. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(53)
T. Stephens
Montgomery, AL Saturday, December 17, 2016 … Thinking of you as family members and the memory of her again at this time. Still praying for your days ahead.Nekeshia Green
Jacksonville, AR Friday, December 16, 2016 My prayers are with the family. I had a chance to me her. Mrs. Ross was a very educated women. My she rest in peace. The works she done here on earth will speak for her.Nekeshia Green
Jacksonville, AR Friday, December 16, 2016 My prayers are with the family. I had a chance to me her. Mrs. Ross was a very educated women. My she rest in peace. The works she done here on earth will speak for her.Vivian Brunson
Vail, AZ Thursday, December 15, 2016 What a privilege and honor it was to know and work with P. Luevonda. She definitely was one of a kind.Rest in love my sister
Birde Henson
Little Rock, AR Monday, December 12, 2016 RIP my sister in ChristJoyce Quarles
Little Rock, AR Monday, December 12, 2016 You will be missed greatly. Rest in the Lord.SHARON WHITE PERKINS
LITTLE ROCK, AR Monday, December 12, 2016 The LORD ALWAYS HAS A FINAL WORD. HE HAS SPOKEN BUT I TAKE GREAT PLEASURE IN KNOWING LUEVONDA. I LOVE GIIRL. . I OFTEN THOUGHT ABOUT YOU AND KNOW THE HEAVENS ABOVE ARE REJOICING BECAUSE YOU ARE IN THEIR TEAM. SINCE OUR DAYS AT HENDRIX, WERE FILLED WITH SUCH GREAT MEMORIES I CAN NOW SAY REST MY SISTER, REST. I LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH. I AM HONORED TO TO HAVE KNOWN YOU. GOD BLESS.Rosemary Stewart
little rock, AR Monday, December 12, 2016 Love and miss you.Frances b. Holleman
Camden,, AR Monday, December 12, 2016 My condolence to the family and Church family of a hard fighting soldier. May God give your heart comfort at this time of loss. May her Spirit be at peace and her soul be at rest. We are praying for the family.Ray and Sandy Erlanson
monticello, AR Sunday, December 11, 2016 You will be missedjean ballard
little rock, AR Saturday, December 10, 2016 I thank my GOD I got to serve him along side this noted scholar and hard fighting soldier in his army of Christians at the Eastside Church of Christ in little rock. .May her soul rest in peace with those faithful few whom have already died in the Lord. Love and condolences to the family and friends of "Lue" from Gary and Jean Ballard family.Special Sanders
Pine Bluff, AR Saturday, December 10, 2016 My condolences to the family of Ms. Ross. I am praying with and for each of you.I first met Ms. Ross back in 2013 when I was a crossroads in my life and considering whether my next steps would be public service or studying law. Ms. Ross invited me to lunch and a great friendship & mentorship began. There are no words to convey the loss of such and amazing person and dedicated public servant. She will surely be missed.
Oze H. Rucker
Forrest City, AR Saturday, December 10, 2016 My thoughts and prayers for comfort are extended to the Ross Family.Kymara H. Seals
Pine Bluf, AR Saturday, December 10, 2016 My deepest and sincere condolences to Judge Ross' family. She was an amazing woman and mentor to many. She will be greatly missed. I will keep your family in my prayers.Kymara Seals
Hamburg
Pine Bluff
Sarah Jordan
Douglasville, GA Saturday, December 10, 2016 It is truly a blessing for me to have known such a young, dedicated Christian. No matter her accomplishments, Lue was always a kind, loving, and humble woman of God! The first thing I noticed about her was her big, beautiful, radiating smile; the second was her passion for teaching others. I'll forever treasure my time spent with Lue! Although God loaned her to us for only a short time, her loving memory is forever stamped in our hearts!To the Ross, Binns, and Jacobs families, please accept my sincere condolences. You are on my heart and in my prayers today and the days ahead. May God comfort you during this time of bereavement.
Sister in Christ
Sarah
Michelle Walton
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, December 9, 2016 You have my condolences.Julie Reves
, AR Friday, December 9, 2016 Thoughts and prayers for comfort to the family.AttySandra Y Harris
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, December 9, 2016 With sympathy to the family, may God comfort you during this time. We are grateful for a life well lived.Theresa Griffin
Little Rock, AR Friday, December 9, 2016 I feel blessed for having known Lue. She was a good and kind person on this earth. She will be so very missed.Onie Taylor
Memphis, TN Friday, December 9, 2016 Lue was a beautiful and humble person always greeting with a smile. She will be missed. Praying strength for the Ross family.RIL!
Cheryl Collins
Monticello, AR Friday, December 9, 2016 Ms Ross was sincerely loved and respected. She will truly be missed.My prayers and thoughts are with her beloved family. May God comfort you during this time.
Randy Brown & family
Arlington, TX Thursday, December 8, 2016 We pray for comfort, strength and rich memories for the Ross family during this very difficult time.Tommie Franklin-Berger
Bethesda, MD Thursday, December 8, 2016 Judge Luevonda Ross, a loving- caring person. You gave so much Sister! And Yes, you made a BIG difference. You will not be forgotten.Thoughts & Prayers to the family.
“A Beautiful Soul” RIP My Classmate ~ Tommie Franklin-Berger
Delois Ridgell
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 8, 2016 Prayers to the family Life was very sweet person and will truly be missed RIP classmateClassie Jones Green
Pine Bluff, AR Thursday, December 8, 2016 So sorry to hear about Judge Ross she was a remerkable person and very humble, God really picked a beautiful FLOWER out of his GARDEN .I was so Proud of her.God Bless and Comfort you all now and in days to come. LOVE TO THE FAMILYJane Thomasson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 7, 2016 I was so saddened to hear of Luevonda's death. While I know words mean so little at a time like this, I want her family to know they have my deepest sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers.Jon & Diana Arms
Conway, AR Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Luevonda was a wonderful, warm, & caring human being. The world has suffered a great loss. We are grateful for her life & in great sorrow over her too early departure.John L. Capleton
Montgomery, AL Wednesday, December 7, 2016 My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sister Ross. She will be missed.Sis. Marilyn Stamps, New Harvest Church of Christ, Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery, AL Wednesday, December 7, 2016 My deepest condolences to this beloved woman of God and great humanitarian. Through her spirit of love and hope in the resurrection, she blessed us all in her coming in and her going out. May your hearts be lifted.Cedric Leonard
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 7, 2016 A Remarkable Woman, I send prayers to the familyMichael and Anita Riley
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Blessings to the family during your time of loss. May God comfort each of you.Linnie Stanley Edwards
Fairview, TX Tuesday, December 6, 2016 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11Such a beautiful soul... RIP.... most definitely will be miss:)
Alvin & Flora Walker
Montgomery, AL Tuesday, December 6, 2016 May God comfort you at this time..may you find comfort in the cherished memories of your love one. Sis. Ross will truly be missed...especially her beautiful smile.Angelean Patrick
Montgomery, AL Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Just another sweet spirited soldier called home. Served the laws of the land; above all served our GOD! Almighty.Love you Sister Ross
New Harvest CoC
Vincent edwards
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Sister Ross was and still a great inspiration to me and my wife she always told to keep my head up in times of trouble cause God has a plan for you bro.Edwards. She will be greatly missed.rest in peace my sister in ChristPerry & Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Judge RossLynn Pence
Conway, AR Tuesday, December 6, 2016 I am so saddened by this terrible loss to our judiciary and legal community. I worked with Lu at legal services, and saw her most recently during her successful campaign for judge. She told me about how much she enjoyed being a judge. Her dignity, poise and humor will be greatly missed. I send healing thoughts to her family.Lynn Pence
Cheryl D.
, NY Tuesday, December 6, 2016 I offer my sincere sympathy on your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy, the kind acts of friends and strangers, and the comfort in knowing that your loss is felt by many, help all of you through this difficult time. May God bless each of you, and help you recieve the courage and strength to move forward in peace, and the confidence in knowing that God always fulfills his promises. (Numbers 23:19).PATRICIA STAPLE
monticello, AR Tuesday, December 6, 2016 To the Ross and McCrayMay the Lord bless and keep each of you in your time of sorrow.
The loss of Judge Luevonda Ross will leave this community with of sense of emptiness. Not only was she a judge, but a dear friend and a true child of God. Lou Lou to me was also my sister. I love you & I'll miss you! Rest In Peace & Love,
Pat Staple
MARYLAND SHAW
MONTICELLO, AR Tuesday, December 6, 2016 CALLA AND FAMILY MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS SHE IS RESTING IN OUR HEAVENLY FATHERS CAREFrances Hampton
Warren, AR Monday, December 5, 2016 "Let not your heart be troubled, if you believe in God believe also in me" I pray the family of Judge Ross find comfort in these words of Jesus as I have. I had the opportunity to work with her briefly during her tenure with the State of AR. We had a mutual respect for each other and I was excited and looked forward to her election as Judge because I am a resident of Bradley County I felt she would have a positive impact in our area. She was a wonderful person that was humble and I always teased her about being "somebody". I will always remember the wisdom she shared about a salt shaker on her desk. When I asked her about it she said it was a reminder to "Let your conversation be always full of grace seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone" Colossians 4:6Nita McDaniel
Monticello, AR Monday, December 5, 2016 I admired and respected Judge Ross tremendously. She was a kind, gentle, courageous soul. Yet, she command respect and authority. Her shoes will not be easily filled. My prayers are with her family. May God bless you all.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Monday, December 5, 2016 my condolence to luevonda's family she was very nice and profesional lady she will be missed greatly.Sonya Platt
Batesville, AR Monday, December 5, 2016 I offer my deepest sympathy to Judge Ross' family at this most difficult time. She was my favorite professor at Jones . When we both returned home to Arkansas , she became a mentor and friend. I will forever cherish all my memories of this most special woman.Mary Craig
Carlsbad, NM Monday, December 5, 2016 I'm so sorry to hear about Lu's passing. The world has lost a great woman, strong advocate, fair judge, and loving family member. The world is a little less happy because she's gone. My prayers for her family.Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Monday, December 5, 2016 My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lou was a very sweet lady and will be missed.Johnny Hobbs
Savannah, GA Saturday, December 3, 2016 Really sorry to hear this. Luevonda was a good person through and through. Prayers for her family.Susan Robbins
Houston, TX Saturday, December 3, 2016 I met Lue in 1981 at Governor's school. She was one of my best friends in college. We worked together for three summers at Governor's school and she was in my wedding party. I loved her dearly as did many. Praying for peace and comfort for her family.Dr. Sam Wherry PhD MBA
Little Rock, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 P Luevonda Ross from her inception gave nothing less than Hope and Anticipation giving validity to the Fact She was an Anointed, Chosen Par Excellence Professional, Proficient, Stella, Honorable Woman of Integrity and Christian Lady. Many are Called and Few are Chosen and Luevonda Ross was most definitely one of the Chosen. In all probability, the most decorated accomplished Academic Scholar to emerge out of Monticello, Arkansas. Luevonda Ross was Loved and Cherished by all and she did her job so well the living, the dead or the unborn could not have done it any better. The Almighty God in his wise providence saw fit to interrupt what we anticipated a long Honorable tenure of her serving as The State of Arkansas 10th Judicial District Circuit Judge, So It BeHeaven cannot but help but Smiling upon Pearl Luevonda Ross Triumphant entry into the Kingdom of Heaven with EliominGod) and King Jesus Christ and, The Heavenly Host. My Condolences to the Honorable Paul Quincey Ross the dynamic duo of Luevonda and members of the Family. The Jurist Prudence has lost a Champion to the Almighty God.Barbara Benton
Warren, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 I was shocked to hear about the passing of Luevonda. She was a sweet person who was an asset to the community. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.Sarah Blackmon
Monticello, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 I am heart broken by the passing of Luevonda, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Lue was a wonderful person, an inspiration to all who knew her. We have lost a jewel far too soon.Wonda Chestnut
Rosenberg, TX Saturday, December 3, 2016 I was deeply sorry to hear that this precious soul had passed away. Luevonda was an awesome person and took great pride in serving her church and community. She will certainly be missed.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 My sincere sympathy is extended to Judge Ross' family. I am praying for you as you say good bye to your loved one!