Mary Lee Russell

Final Boarding Announcement This is the final boarding call for passenger Mary Lee Russell booked on flight 1052 to the Kingdom of Heaven. Please leave all your belongings and proceed to gate 8. You have a confirmed reservation and the Father will order the doors of the aircraft to close. I repeat. This is the final boarding call for passenger Mary Lee Russell. Pre-flight Announcement Welcome aboard for the service of Mary Lee Russell, affectionately known as Sista. She was born April 24, 1934 in Uniontown, Alabama and was the daughter of the late Clara (Strother) and Robert Lee. Mary confessed Christ at an early age and joined Living Hope Baptist Church, in Uniontown, Alabama under the late Reverend White. Mary was always on the move. She traveled to several places such as Florida, Ohio, New York, Iowa and landed in Indiana. Through her travels, Mary worked for doctors and lawyers as a caregiver of children. Later she met and married Willie Albert Russell and joined Mt Olive Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Mckinley Kizer, Sr. and later under Pastor James W. Kizer. Mary was devoted and enjoyed spending time with family. In her past-time she loved gardening, cooking, sewing, drawing birds and especially telling jokes and riddles. She was kind to everyone that crossed her path and gave the best advice. Mary was entertaining with her witty philosophy (personality) and wisdom. Her impeccable heart was pure; leaving her mark on the lives she touched. Mary opened her home to family and friends and made sure that you never left hungry. Once settled in Fort Wayne, Mary worked as a waitress at the 1919 Grill where she provided excellent service. In the following years, she was employed at Troy Laundry as a folder and press operator. After 20 years of hard work, she retired from Troy Laundry and became a full-time homemaker. One of Mary’s fondest memories was quilting alongside her mother. She treasured those moments and was able to stitch as seamless as a sewing machine. Her stories-unforgettable, laughter-contagious, love-unconditional presence-comforting, and strength-empowering. At the age of 86, Mary received her wings at 10:52pm on Tuesday September 8, 2020. Her Final Briefing Though you may experience some hurt and pain know that God is always with you. “It's hard but it's fair.” Remember to “put the good Lord in front and keep pushing.” Until then “hold on” but don't miss your flight. "I'm alright," the Lord has prepared me. “I feel good all over.” See you at the final destination. She is survived by her children, Louis (Annie) Lee, Robert (Barbara) Lee, James (Patricia) Russell, Tammie Russell-Billingsley, and David (Emily) Turner. Grandchildren, Shinisha Grayson, Iesha Miller, Jasmine Billingsley, Ashley Billingsley, Patricia Parrish, Roger (Rhodesia) Parrish, William Harris, Michael (Adrienne) Harris, Reshaunda Lee, Frederick Lewis, Delores Lee, Shalanda King, Jacqueline (Quentin) Smith, Courtney (Candice) Washington, Sasha King, Danielle Williams, Darnell Lewis, and Robert Lee Jr. Great-Grandchildren, Shiniah Jones, QuaShawn Parrish, Marquise Taylor, Roger J Parrish Jr., RaSharie Parrish, Jermaine L Harris, Michael Harris Jr., Jaxson A Harris, Rashad Rogers, Jayla Lee, Frederick Lewis Jr., Kaylie Goins, DeMarcus Lee, Shoneria Shepherd, Cheanne Wallace, DeVonta King, Arihanna King, Sha’Vonta King, Jacquell Smith, Quentin Smith Jr., Em’Breyah King, Delmuss Irby Jr., Amiryah King Courtney Lindsey, Cannye Washington, and Myangel Washington, and De'non Robertson. Brothers, Willie (Emma) Lee, Sr. and Tommie Lee; Sisters, Charlotte Gray, Catherine Upshaw, Martha (Louis) Joe and Emma (Archie) Williams; Sister-in-law, Virginia Lee all of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Albert Russell; son, Randy Russell; parents, Robert and Clara Lee; brothers, James Lee, Louis Lee, Joe Lee, Jimmie Lee, Sr., Henry Lee, Will Lee, Johnny Lee, Sr.; sisters, Willie Mae Lee-Morrows and Elizabeth Le’Shore