Ella Jo (Donaldson) Gross, 83, of Fort Washington, Maryland.

Ella Jo Gross was born in Cottondale, Florida on April 24, 1939, to Nathanial and Ollie Lee Donaldson.

Ella Jo attended Jackson County public schools in Marianna, Florida. She graduated from Jackson County Training School (JCTS). . After graduating high school, she attended classes at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. Ella worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Maryland for 40 years until her retirement in June 2005. She started her career there as an Explosives Driver. Later, she left that position and became an Equipment Specialist. Ella was the first woman to hold the position at this facility. As an Equipment Specialist, Ella tested rocket motors. She made sure the motors were properly put together. She also traveled the country and even abroad to different weapons stations to test and fire the rockets. She trained people how to make sure the rockets were put together correctly and how to disassemble the rocket motors as well.

Ella Jo was a generous, strong, resilient and resourceful woman. Anyone who knew her knew that Ella Jo loved her family. She especially loved supporting her grandchildren's extracurricular activities and events. She attended every event that she could. She had a caring heart that would extend support not just to family but to friends, neighbors, and coworkers as well. Ella Jo had several hobbies including traveling with her senior group, yard sale shopping. She really liked watching old westerns and action movies. She enjoyed reading, attending performing arts shows and shopping, online and in person. Ella Jo also liked learning about natural health remedies. She was a collector of angels and elephants. Lots of elephants!

Ella Jo attended Fort Foote Baptist Church when she moved to the Fort Washington area. Later, she became a member of Ebenezer AME Church.

Ella Jo Gross, a sister, an aunt, a mother, a grandmother, a godmother, a great-aunt, a public servant, a friend to many and a resident of Fort Washington, Maryland, made her peaceful transition and heavenly ascent on April 27, 2022.

Ella Jo is survived by two children; daughter, Selina Lolita Gross; son, Christopher Jabar Gross; four granddaughters, Shaharazade Gross, Christen Gross, Lauren Gross, Ayanna Aria Gross four sisters and one brother, Rose Merry Donaldson, Merel Lee Donaldson, Jean Donaldson, Katherine Donaldson, Nathaniel Donaldson, and a host nieces and nephews.

Ella Jo Gross will be sorely missed by all who loved her and knew her. May she rest in love and in peace.

"There are no goodbyes. Wherever you'll be, you'll be in my heart." — Gandhi, Activist and Politician

Viewing, 10:00 a.m., until time of Service, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Ebenezer AME Church, 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744.  Interment, Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.