Helanca Ross

Helanca Charlette “Shawn” Ross unexpectedly departed this earthly life on Monday, April 26, 2021 at age 51.  She was born to Louis and Helen Ross on December 14, 1969 in Waukegan, Illinois.

A 1988 graduate of North Chicago Community High School, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in 2016 and was currently working on completing her master’s degree.

She accepted Christ at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Waukegan, IL, under the leadership of Pastor Arthur J. Gass Sr.   In June of 1998, she was united in marriage to Corey D. Cofield, who preceded her in death.  To this union three children were born:  Krystal, Kristiana and Kristina.  She worked as a personal caregiver until she moved to Wisconsin where she met and married her loving husband, Andrew Hicks, in 2013.

Affectionately known as “Shawn” or “Phatsista”, she enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest.  She worked as an administrative assistant for Filling the Void Child Care Academy until she left to start her own business “Paparazzi Jewelry”.  Having a passion for her successful business, she held daily Paparazzi Jewelry parties on Facebook live.  An enthusiastic hair stylist and nail technician, she enjoyed performing these services for family and friends.  Her favorite pastime was traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Helanca leaves to celebrate her life, her husband of 7 years, Andrew Hicks, 3 daughters – Krystal (Jamar) Ross, Racine, WI; Kristiana (Deshon) Smith, Racine, WI; Kristina (Bobby) Ross, Waukegan, IL; 12 grandchildren – Armoni, Kori, JayVe-ona, Janelle, Jahdai, Madesyn, Madelyn, Maleyna, Mekaydn, Chanel, Charish and Chantel; 1 goddaughter – Asha McAllister, Chicago, IL; her parents – Helen (Alexander) Miller, and Louis (Victoria) Ross, Waukegan, IL; 4 sisters – Harsha (Jonathan) Holmes, Waukegan, IL, Tonya (Dan) Miller-Murphy, St. Louis, MO, Tonya (Randy) Thompson, Grayslake, IL, Shavonne (Matt) Kearney, Zion, IL, 1 brother – Brandon Ross, Gurnee, IL and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both her maternal grandparents Nathaniel & Rosie Conver, and her paternal grandparents, Hezekiah Ross & Pearl Merrill and Cleophas & Mamie Miller.

Visitation will be held from 10am – 12pm on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee, IL 60031 with the funeral service at 12pm.  Burial will be at Warren Cemetery.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with current State of Illinois Phase 4 regulations, all guests will be required to wear a face mask at all times.  There will be a maximum of 50 people allowed in the funeral home at a time and proper social distancing must be practiced.

Warren Funeral Home is assisting the family.