Texanna (Watts) Gross was born on September 5, 1920 to the late Mr. John and Mrs. Ella Watts. Born one of eight children, she brought a great deal of nurturing and care to all that she encountered. She received her formal education through the Calvert County Public School System. In addition to her primary schooling, God blessed Texanna with a heightened sense for business and the management of household affairs.

Ms. Texanna and Mr. Howard W. Gross were united in holy matrimony on July 10, 1937. The Lord Jesus Christ richly blessed them with eight children: Rosa Mae Rice, Charles W. Sr., Guilford (deceased), Lorenzo Sr., Larry C. Sr., Twilla M., Levi C., and Penny C. Briscoe.

On August 18, 2013, Texanna departed this life at the Burnett-Calvert Hospice House. She was preceded in death by: her husband Howard W. (Buster), son Guilford, four brothers: Clarence Watts, William Watts, Milton Watts, and John Watts Jr., and three sisters: Sarah Watts, Eliza Howard, and Alverta Tomey.

Mother Texanna was a faithful wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. She was also a faithful steward in two churches: The Saint John's United Methodist Church, Lusby, MD and The Greater Bible Way Church, Prince Frederick, MD. She was not ashamed of her salvation and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. She adored Sunday School, Wednesday Noon Day Prayer and would not hesitate to praise God in any atmosphere as long as those gathered believed in Jesus.

One of her greatest passions was to sing. If she was on the choir, she would always be heard. If she had a solo to sing, she would be there. Momma Tex, as she was affectionately called, had a strong alto voice and did not mind using it. She goes down in the archives of The Greater Bible Way Church, Prince Frederick, MD for authoring the song, "I love my Pastor".

Momma Tex leaves to cherish fond memories: four sons, three daughters, three wonderful daughter-in-laws, Florence, Alberta, and Leslie, and two wonderful sons-¬in-law, Calvin and Thomas; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home.