On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Mrs. Mary F. Russell was called from labor to reward to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mary was born on April 23, 1932, in Mooresville, North Carolina, to the late Ada Louise Caldwell and Charles Elmore Wilson. She attended Coddle Creek School in Mooresville, North Carolina. On October 28, 1950, she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Lloyd Russell Sr., who preceded her in death after 58 years of marriage.

At an early age, she was a faithful member of Bethesda AME Zion Church. After marriage and relocating with her husband and family to Greensboro, North Carolina, she joined Gethsemane Baptist Church, where she became the Mother of the Church. She joyfully sang in the choir, served faithfully on the usher board, and fulfilled numerous other roles until her health declined.

Mary worked as a CNA for many years until her retirement. She later became a caregiver and trusted friend to many. Her greatest passions were her family, her church, caring for others, and cooking. She could often be found reading her Bible and studying the Word. She was truly an angel sent from God. She loved getting dressed up on Sunday mornings and made sure she wore one of her favorite hats.

Three children preceded her in death: Willie Louise, Frankie, and Lloyd Russell Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories, son: Larry Donnell Russell (Myrna); grandson raised in the home: Clinton Lamont Russell; sisters: Jeannie Caldwell, Johnnie Mae Rucker, Leona Turner, Jo Carol (Rev. Dr. Warren Nance); brothers: Rev. Charlie Caldwell (Lisa), Charles Wilson (Betty), Jerry Caldwell (Sandra), Carl Caldwell (Louise); special niece: Brenda Alexander (Willie); granddaughter: Shana Chapale Hughes; grandsons: Larry Boroughs, Michael Burroughs, Julis Russell (Suzet), Damon Lamont Bernard, Sr. (Monique), Antonie Thompson; godchildren: Edwina Harris, Richard Surratt; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grand-children, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 3701 Heath Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Visitation will be held prior at 11:30 a.m.

Burial will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens, 5710 Riverdale Road, Jamestown, NC 27282.