Sylvanius Arnilda Ross

Sylvanius “Al” Ross departed this life on March 15, 2023, at his home in Benton Harbor Michigan. He was 43. He was known as Al by his family and friends. Al was charismatic, playful and always wore a big, bright smile on his face. Al had a way with words and loved to connect with people. He was a sociable man who knew how to adjust into any crowd and make everyone comfortable around him. 

He was born in Dayton, Ohio on May 10, 1979. His mother and siblings moved to Benton Harbor in 1985 to be near family. During his formative years, he attended public schools in Buchanan, Michigan. As an adult, Al attended Lake Michigan Community College where he studied business management and he also enrolled in online courses. He was an avid reader who loved learning and absorbing new information, especially history, and religion. Al was adventurous and enjoyed attending social events and games. He was athletic and enjoyed working out.

Al was preceded in death by his mother Cassandra “Pudge” Williams and his aunt Ann Hershey-Ross. He is survived by is father Santee Wall (of Benton Harbor, Mich.), his son Kentavion Nasir Taylor (of Benton Harbor, Michigan), siblings Trarael Ross and Pauline Ross-Ward (Guybria Ward) (both of Battle Creek, Michigan), aunts Christal Williams-Collins and Robin Ross (both of Benton Harbor, Michigan), cousins Lakesha and Deontae Ross (of Chicago, Illinois), cousin Shawna Ross (of Battle Creek, Michigan), cousin Clarence Ross (of Atlanta, Georgia), cousins Gerald Page and Nikkita ​Clark, (both of Benton Harbor, Michigan), special friend Pamela Dean Williams (of Benton Harbor, Michigan) and mentor Pastor Walter Williams (the preacher he knew) and a host of nephews and a niece. 

Special thank you to Karyn Tucker-Ross for your assistance with funeral arrangements.

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