Leila Mae Gross (nee Lee) transitioned peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Carneys Point, NJ, at the age of 96.

Born on December 22, 1929, in Thomasville, Georgia, Leila was the daughter of the late Charlie and Eunice Lee (nee Graham).

Leila was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert; her sons, Lawrence and Charles; her brothers, Horace, Oscar, William A., and Theodore; and her sisters, Jessie McCall, Beatrice Williams, Elmira Lee, F. Kay Colson, and Evelyn Burns.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughters, Faye (Robert) Jones of Carneys Point, NJ, and Karen (James) Porter of Middletown, DE; and her daughter-in-law, Chenelle Gross of Dania, FL.

She also leaves behind a vibrant lineage including 11 grandchildren: Leila V. Gross, Charles (Nicole) Gross, Justin (Tiffany) Gross, Carnisha Wright, Shanae (Jimmy Vernice) Wright, William Knox, Kellye (Christopher) Jones-Ho, Robert Jones II, Jennifer (Dexter) Phillips, L. Jaime Porter, and Michael Porter; a special granddaughter, Crystal Page; long-time friend Lorraine Pitts; and goddaughter, Carolyn Pitts-Hagel. Her legacy further extends to 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, alongside a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.