VIEWING: Friday, June 5, 2026/ Time: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

SERVICE: Saturday, June 6, 2026/ Time: 11:00 AM/ Greater Hayes Grove Baptist Church, 18511 Union Level Road, South Hill, VA 23970/ Rev. Garry Jones, Pastor-Elect & Presiding/ Rev. Tyreece Barnes, Eulogist

INTERMENT: Church Cemetery

MARIA LOUISE BARNES RUSSELL, affectionately known as “Riya” or “Ms. Maria” was born May 16, 1929, in Mecklenburg County, VA to the late Tommie and Mary Mitchell Barnes. She entered heaven on June 1, 2026 in Hospice Care. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank Lewis Russell; daughter- Gwendolyn A. Rusell; grandchildren- Jamaal and Johnita; siblings- William, Nathaniel, Sol, Bernice and Olia.

At an early age she accepted Christ and was a member of Hayes Grove Baptist Church and a member of the choir. Even when she moved away, she always made it home for the 3rd Sunday Services.

Maria attended Mecklenburg County Public Schools. After graduation she moved to Richmond, VA; there she met and later married Frank Lewis Russell.

Maria leaves to cherish her memories: a son- Frank L. (Debbie) Russell; four grandchildren- Christal (Derek), April, Chris (Samantha) and Taurie; twelve great-grandchildren; very special friends- Sharon and Mr. Johnny, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.