Samuel V. Russell

Samuel Russell was born on August 11, 1942 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Tony and Nannie (Clark) Russell. He was the tenth child born to this union. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Samuel Jr., eight siblings: Ella Mae Russell Willis, James, Harold, John Napoleon, Gazelle, Arvell, and Thomas Jr.

Samuel accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and Savior at an early age and joined Truelight Baptist Church, East St. Louis, Illinois under the pastorate of the late Reverend James Lampley. He later joined the Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church in 2002 under the pastorate of Reverend Kennedy Jones where he served on the Usher Board until the time of his departure.

Samuel received his elementary education in East St. Louis School District #189 and received his high school diploma from Lincoln Senior High School. Samuel joined the United States Navy after high school and was honorably discharged after serving 4 years. Samuel graduated from Lincoln Tech Air Conditioning School in Arlington, Texas.

After leaving the Navy Samuel moved to Boston, MA. There he met his future wife Ms. Mattie Walters. While living in Boston they enjoyed many happy moments. Especially, driving to Gloucester, MA, to eat sea food (fish, clams etc.).

After living in Boston Samuel moved to Newhall, CA. where he was united in Holy Matrimony to Mattie Walters in 1975. Samuel and Mattie then moved to Iran. While living in Iran they were blessed to travel to the Holy Land, Rome, England and other countries. Samuel and Mattie enjoyed living and traveling overseas. Samuel and Mattie returned to the United States and eventually settled in Arlington Texas. They were married for 45 years.

Samuel departed this life on Saturday, December 5, 2020 in Arlington, Texas.

He leaves to cherish his memory Wife Mattie Russell, four sons and one daughter.

Two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Worth of East St. Louis IL and Mrs. Fannie Mae Taylor of St Louis, MO; two brothers Mr. Dean (Blanche) Russell, Alorton, IL and Mr. Edward (Juanita) Russell, Swansea, IL. Two sisters-in-law, Ms. Callie M. Walters, Boston, MA and Ida B. Walters, Unadilla, GA. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.