John Ross III

On the morning of March 3, 2020, John Kenneth Ross III was born at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia to John Ross Jr. and Maria Folsom. As their very first child, John III's life proved to bring a newfound joy and happiness to not only his parents but to all who grew to know and love him.
Affectionately known as “Papa/Papa Bear,” “John John,” and “J3,” he brought an unforgettable energy to any room he entered. His intelligence, magnetic smile, playfulness, and curiosity were amongst many of the traits that cultivated him into the young prince he would eventually become.
At the time of John’s transition, he was 1st grader at Mt. Zion Primary in Jonesboro, Georgia and a client of Intellistars ABA Therapy in Riverdale, Georgia. He was a Class of 2026 kindergarten graduate of BC Haynie Elementary School in Morrow, GA. As an exceptional scholar in the DES program, John’s curriculum required resilience, perseverance, and hard work at such a young age. An avid reader, John loved the Dr. Suess and Sesame Street series of books. Other hobbies and interests included coloring, puzzles, cars & trucks, animals, basketball, music, road trips with his parents, and bicycling. His ability to run with an unmatched swiftness and agility of a future Olympian earned him the title of “Trackstar” among family and friends. John’s affinity for Spiderman, elephants, and white cheddar popcorn were his idea of a good time.
Described as a “city/county/island boy”, John had an interesting cultural mix. As an Atlanta native, he experienced the exposure of city life, yet embraced the simplicity and true Southern hospitality through his mother’s roots in rural Georgia and influence of the beautiful serenity of the island--his father’s homeland in the U.S. Virgin Islands. John’s love for traveling, learning, and living his best life constantly left a lasting impression on all who loved him.
From the moment of his birth, John III was introduced to the word of God and enjoyed the sounds of gospel music and many other genres. Lauded as an “old soul,” John III accomplished many things and understood his earthly assignment, which he completed in only six years.
He was received into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, August 9th, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. Earning his precious wings, John was indeed an earth angel during his time in the physical realm. Joining his loved ones in heaven, John was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather John Ross Sr. and maternal grandfathers James Delton Folsom and Andrew Irwin, Sr., and godfather Kerek Battle.
John leaves so many to cherish fond memories of him: his loving father and mother, John Ross Jr. and Maria Folsom of Atlanta, Georgia; maternal grandmother Katherine Irwin (Wrightsville, Georgia); paternal grandmother Michelle Roberts (Holland, Michigan); maternal great-grandmother Adell Scott (Wrightsville, Georgia); paternal great-grandmother Harriet Smith (Gainesville, Florida); maternal aunts and uncles: Sharron (Jeff) Mack of Wrightsville, Georgia; Cliff Scott of Sandersville, Georgia; Yolanda (Demicio) Wadley of Wrightsville, Georgia; Carlos Folsom of Dublin, Georgia; Cameron Folsom of Wrightsville, Georgia; and Gehazi Irwin of Dublin, Georgia; paternal aunt and uncle Jasper Ross of Dothan, Alabama and Michael Ross of Jacksonville, Florida; godmothers Devon Hodges of Wrightsville, Georgia and Shavakia Head of Atlanta, Georgia; god-grandparents Reverend Dr. H. Bernard Young Sr. and Delores Young of Rome, Georgia; honorary uncles Michael Cuyler of Wrightsville, Georgia; Marcus Richards of Atlanta, Georgia; and Steve Soberanis of Atlanta, Georgia.
He also leaves a host of extended family and friends, including dedicated professionals in the Clayton County Public School System, Sykes Early Intervention Services, Intellistars ABA Therapy, and South Atlanta Pediatrics; a host of paternal and maternal great-aunts and great-uncles; generations of cousins, sharing a special brotherhood with his big cousins Austin Scott of Hinesville, Georgia, Zy’aire Irwin of Dublin, Georgia, and Nyah Henry Jr. and Jeremiah Henry both of Dothan, Alabama; and honorary “Paw-Paw” Alvin Darrisaw Sr. of Wrightsville, Georgia. John III also shared fun moments and laughter with his classmates and friends from the ABA community. His impact on this world will endure the test of time; and for that, we are grateful for the life and legacy our precious prince, John Kenneth Ross III.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33