Mrs. Ella Mae (Holmes) Russell

Ella Mae Holmes Russell, one of ten siblings, was born on September 8, 1940, to Reverend Stephen Holmes and Elizabeth Barley Holmes in Pattison, Texas. While living there for a short time, she accepted Christ at an early age under the pastoral care of her father, who led several Methodist churches in Waller County. In 1948, the entire family relocated to Acres Homes in Houston, Texas. Ella Mae attended several schools in the Aldine Independent School District and graduated from George Washington Carver High School. She was a part of the French and The Roaring Panther Club.

On October 10, 1963, she was united in a bedside marriage to Elmo Russell, who was hospitalized at the time. The ceremony was officiated by her father, Reverend Stephen Holmes. From this union, four daughters were born: Margaret, Tina, Ingrid, and Linda. In the early 1970s, Ella Mae united with Mt. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor White and Pastor Haywood. In 1977, under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth O. Lyons, she devoted herself to serving in the hospitality ministry, offering her time and love to her church and community with her whole heart.

Ella Mae was widely known throughout the Acres Homes community as a talented and passionate seamstress. When the church needed new choir robes, she dedicated countless hours to designing them. From prom dresses to suits and just about anything imaginable, if you presented an idea, she knew exactly what to do—and exactly where to find the pattern at her favorite place, Hancock Fabrics. She had just about every brand-name pattern catalog you could think of—McCall’s, Vogue, Butterick, or Simplicity—and always knew how to bring your vision to life. Her talent earned her the title of “The Acres Homes Seamstress.” Her love of sewing extended beyond the church. Every school year, local kids would line up to have their jeans tailored to perfection—many could say she invented the “skinny jean” before it became the trend. We would head to Weiner’s for jeans that weren’t straight-legged enough, and she would make them just right. The kids in the neighborhood made sure their pants were “done right” before the first day of school.

She had a heart for children and service. Every child she cared for called her “Mother”—not just because of what she did, but because of how she loved. Word of mouth spread quickly, and none of her grandchildren—or the many children she helped raise—ever saw the inside of a daycare. She embraced anyone who entered her home, whether they were related by blood or not. She was truly everyone’s mother. She cooked a mean, greasy pork chop—so good, our dad would eat it straight from the cast-iron skillet, hot out of the grease! Mom loved cooking and made sure a home-cooked meal was on the table daily. A little-known fact: in her early years, she enjoyed hunting, knew how to handle a rifle, and loved spending time in the woods with her husband.

In 1993, she returned to Mt. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles N. Williams, where she proudly witnessed her nephew, Ronnie Williams, being ordained as a Deacon. In 1995, when Pastor Williams organized the NW Church of Jesus Christ, she became a founding member and a cornerstone of the congregation—affectionately known to all as “Mother Russell.”

Throughout her life, she faced many health challenges, yet remained strong, graceful, and faithful—never once complaining. Her faith in God was truly remarkable, and she never wavered.

Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. She leaves to cherish her memory:

• Four daughters: Margaret, Tina, Ingrid, and Linda

• Five grandchildren: Burnell, Jeremy, Marshaella, Makayla and Shelby

• Eight great-grandchildren

• Two loving sisters: Hattie Gage (102) and Justine Alexander (89)

• Many bonus daughters and sons, nieces, nephews, family, and friends—too many to name, but never forgotten

She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.