Ellen Jacqueline (Jackie) Russell (1929-2019), age, 90, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019. She was born in Etoile, Texas on February 11, 1929 to Ellis and Artie Mae Barnett. She moved from Etoile to Houston as a teenager where she joined the Black Battalion at Sam Houston High School, ultimately holding the rank of Captain. She later met and married the love of her life, Al Russell on February 5, 1951. They raised their family in the Houston area and she later went on to retire from AT&T after 35 years of service. Over the years she was an active member of many social clubs including a domino group with many close friends, Goodtimers, TNT, and Young at Heart.
To many who didn’t call her “Mother” or “Mimi” she was affectionately known as “Aunt Jackie”. She was an incredible cook who loved to feed others. She loved to play games and was a fierce competitor. She loved to shop and could never resist a good deal. She loved to give. She loved to love and to know her was to love her. During her lifetime, she was a faithful member of East End Pentecostal Church, Faith Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Irvington Pentecostal Church, and was a current member of Pentecostals of Atascocita. Her loss will be felt deeply.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Artie Barnett; sisters, Hazel Bales; Clairene Young; Louise Marcantel; Bennie Nichols; brother, Milton Kelly; and other family members. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Alger (Al) Russell; children, Randall Russell (Cindy), Jan Valdiviez (Cisco); grandchildren, Aaron Russell (Nayely); Lacy Wolf (Michael); Amanda Valdiviez (Crystal); and Ellen Suzanne Russell (fiancé Zach Rosales); great-grandchildren, Ethan Wolf; Ian Russell; Scarlett Wolf; Shawn Gonzalez; Jordan Gonzalez; as well as numerous other beloved family members and friends.