Annie Ross was born on July 27, 1941 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Ed Johnson and Leberetha Campbell. She was educated in the Tuscaloosa city school system. As a young adult, Annie moved to New York looking for a batter life. Soon after arriving, she met her future husband Julius Ross Jr. In 1979 they moved the family to Mississippi. During this time she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Union Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi where she was a dedicated member.

Annie had a successful career as a nurses aide at the mental hospital in Ellisville, Mississippi. In 1968 she suffered an injury and could no longer work. The following year she moved her family to Columbus, Ohio, where she became a founding member of the "Peoples Church" with her best friend, Pastor Maxine Barnett. Annie loved serving God and participating in church bake sales.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lebertha Thigpen-Campbell, father Ed Johnson, step-father Audie Thigpen and brother Erie Campbell.

Annie Ross is survived by husband Julius Ross Jr., her children; Thomas Johnson, Vicky Johnson, Larry Johnson (Marie), Deborah Summerall (Joe), Mark Ross (Karen), Michael Ross, Elizabeth Ross, brothers; Jake Campbell (Penny), Claude Little (Shenicka), Fred Little (Annie), Forest Little, James Bender (Oniemay), Gregory Bender, Robert Bender (Mary), and sister Teresa Campbell (James). Also 34 grandchildren, 62 great- grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and dear family and friends.