Mr. Taaleak Labranze Ross

Mr. Taaleak LaBranze Ross was born on November 30, 1976, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the middle child of Michael and Sheila DeWitt. At the age of 44, he departed this life peacefully with his family at his side, on Saturday, June 19, 2021, after a long battle with heart failure. He graduated from Brentwood High Schools’ Ross Center, in Brentwood, NY, Class of 1994. He was an avid member of the ROTC program. He joined the United States Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, and served six years in various countries. After being honorably discharged, he made Lexington, South Carolina his home in 2006. He continued his career as an Information Technology Specialist for the military, at both Fort Jackson Army Base and Shaw Air Force Base. His career ended abruptly after being diagnosed with advanced heart failure, at which time he was informed that he needed a heart transplant. He fought a long and arduous fight with this illness, to which he finally succumbed. Taaleak was baptized at an early age, and joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church, in Brentwood, New York. He enjoyed sports of all kind, cooking, and game time with family. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father, and provider. Mr. Taaleak LaBranze Ross leaves to cherish his precious memory: his wife, Tasha Rankin Ross; four sons, Elijah Ross, Damon Ross, Avery Ross, and Cole Ross; his parents, Michael and Sheila DeWitt; sister, Sintasha (Sherman) Sumter; brother, Michael (Nikka) DeWitt, II; grandmother, Sarah DeWitt; uncles, George (Kim) Corbin, Dwayne (Patricia) DeWitt, Bryan (Annie) DeWitt; a host of cousins, other relatives, and caring friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.