Mother Russell, as she was often called, learned to cook at the age of nine, helping her grandparents. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, and people. Those talents were often used to assist with help in the community - cooking for neighbors and fundraisers. She never encountered a stranger in her journey. Mother’s quiet demeanor welcomed people to get to know her and she easily made lifetime friends. In times of conflict, she was not easily angered, but rather the peacemaker. Mother Russell imparted her wisdom about life and her life experiences as she encouraged others. 

Mother Russell had an amazing sense of humor and quick wit that left others rolling in laughter. She welcomed anyone who came across her door – never to leave without eating. If you were not close by, no problem; she’d ship her incredible stuffing to you! She was very patient in all things and faithful always. Mother had a way of ministering to you in a loving way that fostered hope and care; she was a nurturer. Willing to give of herself, she touched so many lives in a positive way. 

Mother Russell was filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus’ name in 1974. She joined the New Hope Pentecostal Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, Inc., then under the leadership of the late Bishop O. Crawford, Elders Angelo Vincent, and Bly Simmons as her teachers. Working in the church, she held the position of Usher Board President. And at any New Hope event, folks want to know, “What did Sister Russell cook?” to be sure to have some on their plates.

Educated in the Bracey city schools, Mary Russell met and married the late Wilbur Russell. Of the nine children born to her, one preceded her in death, Michael Lee Russell. She leaves her mother, Nannie Harrison, to cherish her memory, as well as her children, Julia Ann Fletcher (Thomas), Wilbur Russell, Jr. (Gloria), Paulat Williams, Thomas Earl Russell (Jeanette), Nelson Wayne Russell (Judith), Catherine Zimmerman, Renee’ Zimmerman, and Cynthia Lee (Mark). She also had a special bond with Keisha Lomax and Keon Zimmerman, the grand children she raised. The following siblings preceded Mother Russell in death, Thelma Brown, Marion Allen, Shirley Harrison, Clara Ann Boyd, Arthur Boyd, Otis Harrison, Barbara Cox, Michael Harrison, and Louise Harrison.  Remembering her sweet ways are her siblings Naomi Johnson, Beatrice Swinton (Robert), Benjamin Harrison (Fannie Mae), Virginia Ayala, Minnie Baskerville, Andrew Harrison (Gloria), Alfonser Harrison (Gail), and Jimmie Harrison. Mother Russell has 22 grand children, 25 great grand children, and one great great grand child. Her cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, and hosts of friends will keep Mama Russell in their memories forever because she was a BEAUTIFUL SOUL.