Nancy LaVista Howard Russell, affectionately known as "Little Nancy" in her youth, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, July 19, 2024.

Born on April 28, 1947, in Martinsville, Virginia, Nancy was the second of four daughters born to the late John Fulton Howard and Vivian Vendela Gravely Howard. She grew up alongside her sisters Marian Howard, Bernadette Carmichael, and Antoinette Dandridge under the loving care of her parents and her beloved Aunt Nancy, for whom she was named. As children they enjoyed playing Cowboys and Indians.

Nancy's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Raised in a Christian home, she received the Lord Jesus at an early age at the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Martinsville, Virginia where she was baptized in a creek. She was a member of the Children’s Sunbeam Choir. Her devotion to her faith would continue to guide her throughout her life.

After attending Albert Harris Elementary and High School in Martinsville, Nancy relocated to Philadelphia with her Aunt Nancy, embarking on a new chapter in her life. She continued her education at Pierce College and, through a family connection, was introduced to the world of modeling - an experience she thoroughly enjoyed. And it showed! She was an impeccable dresser who loved her suits and always wore a broach. That was her signature.

Her memory will be cherished by her loving devoted husband, Harold, son, Daniel and his wife Sophia, grandson Leo, her sisters Marian Howard and Bernadette Carmichael of North Carolina, her brother in-law and sister in-law William and Diane Russell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Fulton Howard and Vivian Vendela Gravely Howard Hightower, her sister Antoinette Dandridge, and her brother David Hightower.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 712 Penllyn Pike, Spring House, PA. Interment will follow at White Marsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA. Live streaming available at www.facebook.com/bbc4christ/.

Arrangements provided by Beckett-Brown & Hodges Funeral Home, Philadelphia, PA. Local arrangements provided by Hairston Funeral Home.