Vello Princess Martin

Vello Princess Martin was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 21, 2025, at the Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was the beloved daughter of the late Luther Bell and Lula Mae Ross of Lake City, Florida.

Vello was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by service to others, love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you mourn not as you remember her in death, but praise God and rejoice for a life well lived and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who knew her.

Vello was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Lula Mae Ross, brothers Luther Ross Jr., Randolph Ross Sr., Henry Ross Sr., John Ross Sr., Samuel Dan Ross, Benjamin Ross and Paul Ross and sisters Rachel Danyl Ross Howard and Lula Mae Mills.

Vello is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Micheal and Brenda Ross Sr. and her brother Claude Ross, Sr. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who join friends and family in celebrating her life and joyful spirit and will miss her greatly.

After her graduation from Oakwood Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, Vello Princess Martin embarked on a life- long career of service to others by fulfilling a dream of hers to help people and become a nurse. She attended and graduated from Georgetown University, Oakwood College, Walla Walla College with all the appropriate accreditations to ultimately become a registered nurse. As some one interested in obtaining continued excellence and knowledge to excel in her profession, she also took classes at Strayer College and the University of Maryland. Throughout her career, she was affiliated with several notable health care institutions and agencies in the metropolitan area. Some of these included Morris Cafritz Memorial Hospital, Greater Southeast Community Hospital and the District of Columbia General Hospital.

Outside of her nursing career, Vello found joy in traveling, cooking, gardening and music. A self-taught pianist and guitar player, she also enjoyed singing and the open road.

After retiring from Nursing in 2006, Vello continued to find ways to spend her time in service to others. She always had a kind word and a sweet smile for those who crossed her path. She was always just a phone call away for those needing a helping hand, words of encouragement or a gentle reminder to take care of yourself. Her dedication to her faith and the desire to bring light to those in need epitomized her joyful and generous nature.

Those who knew Vello Martin will remember her for an infectious smile, a heart of servitude, a deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered.

The Celebration of Life service to honor Vello Princess Martin will be held on August 12, 2025 at 11:00AM at the Dupont Park Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 3985 Massachusetts Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20019. The service will be broadcasted live on the church YouTube channel: @thedupontpark Funeral arrangements are being handled by Carewell Cremations of Fairfax, VA and the designated florist is Woods Flowers and Things of College Park, MD.

Live stream link: https://www.youtube.com/@thedupontpark/streams