A Columbus native, Dr. Gross was the daughter of the late Walter S. Sr., and Evelyn Thomas Hutchinson.

She was a 1960 graduate of William H. Spencer High School. After graduation, she met and married the late Rev. Robert L. Releford. A talented pianist and member of Green Hills Baptist Church, she played for both Green Hills and Liberty Hill Baptist Churches. Dr. Gross gained employment as a Supply Clerk, working at Ft. Benning, GA until her retirement in 1979. It was also in 1979 that she established the first African American chapter of the American Business Womens Association in Columbus, GA., entitled "Sojourner" after Sojourner Truth. In the mid 1990's she also started a retirement chapter of the American Business Womens Association entitled "The Elite Ladies."

A quest for higher knowledge saw her attending and graduating in1984 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and then her Masters in 1987 from Columbus State University. In 2004, she received her Ph.D in Christian Counseling Phychology with a 3.80 average from Carolina University.

Surviving are two daughters, Robin R. Stroud and Pamela R. Shaw; a son, Richard L. Releford; a step-son, Robert E. Reliford(Julia); her grandchildren, Branden X. Shaw, Meagan A. Shaw, Travis L. Releford, Caleb T. Releford, Emmanuel Hall and Anichia Lashaun; a brother, Albert L. Hutchinson, Sr; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.