Beryl Loretta Russell

Beryl Loretta Russell, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2021. She was born September 2, 1931 in the Town of Gatun, U.S. Canal Zone, Panama. Daughter of Clerisa L. Mitchell and Stanley Skeete. She married her long-time friend and love, Howard Fernando Russell, on June 11, 1955. He preceded her in death on March 4, 2000.

While many called her Beryl, she was affectionately known as “Lorett” by her home town friends and relatives. Lorett received her formal education through the Canal Zone school system. She graduated from Rainbow City High School, where she received the highest honor of class valedictorian. Notably, her high school graduating class was the first allowed to enter secondary school (grades 9-12). Prior to then, Blacks were not allowed an education beyond the 8th grade.

Upon graduating, she obtained employment with the U.S. Commissary Division where she steadily advanced from waiting tables to managerial positions of Supervisor of the Margarita Club House and Assistant Manager of the Rainbow City Commissary. After several years with the Commissary Division, Lorett transferred to the Division of Water Transportation where she served as Manager over the processing and documenting of small vessels transiting the Canal. She retired with 30 years of service and proceeded to embark on the next chapter of her storied life.

In addition to enjoying a long and fruitful career, Lorett was also a loving wife, devoted mother of four sons and a devout Christian. Grounded in her faith, she spent decades serving in various ministries at Christ Church by the Sea Episcopal Church then at St. Stephens Episcopal Church. She believed that she was blessed so that she may bless others. Her love extended beyond her immediate family and she diligently gave of herself wherever a need existed.

Lorett had a big personality to go along with her big heart, and she shared a lifetime of wisdom along the way. One of her favorite mantras was “always put your best foot forward in whatever you do because you never know who is watching.” Needless to say, she was a role model to many.

Lorett travelled the world with her husband, from Central and South America to the Caribbean Islands, Canada, Europe and across the United States. She was no friend of cold weather and would head back to Panama at the brink of winter. She would always say, “I’m sorry. Not me and this cold weather.” Despite the allure and excitement of travel, nothing made Lorett happier than spending time with family. After the passing of her husband, she permanently relocated to Virginia to live among her sons and daughters in-law, grandchildren and great grands. In her final years, her only wish for birthdays and holidays was to be able to get together with family. So it was, up to her final moment of rest.

Lorett is survived by her sister Donna Skeete; her four sons and their wives Bruce and Kim Russell, Fernando and Daphne Russell, Gary and Sharon Russell, and Jason and Enica Russell; grandchildren, Christina Russell-Cain, Nastasia Russell, Fernando Russell Jr., Kevin Russell, Brian Russell, Martieka Russell, and Logan Russell; plus nine great-grandchildren. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Respectfully Submitted,

The Family of Beryl L. Russell