Leora Russell, beloved wife, aunt and godmother passed away August 24, 2017 with her husband by her side. She was born Leora DeWalt May 11, 1929 in Ripley, Tennessee, the daughter of Iola Bonds-DeWalt and Earnest DeWalt. She was the youngest child and the only daughter out of six (6) children. She was given the nick name “Sister” because of this. Her mother (1973) and father (1930) preceded her in death along with her brothers James Sprewer (1984), Roosevelt Sprewer (1989), Willie C. DeWalt (1999), Willie B. Walker (2002) and Johnnie R. DeWalt (2004).
On August 3, 1965 she married Clarence Russell in Chicago, Il. She worked at G&J Tavern in Chicago and then a bookkeeper for Russell Furniture Refinishing in Elgin, Il. She was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the mothers’ board for many decades. She took care of and helped raise many of her brothers’ children and god children. She loved gardening, cooking for her family, especially on holidays and raised many dogs. She loved her dogs also. She cared for many people over the years including her brother Johnnie R. DeWalt almost until the time he died.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories husband Clarence Russell of 52 years; grandchildren Robin Elaine Russell and Cynthia Russell both of L.A. California; nieces Valerie Hildreth of Rockford, Il, Tina DeWalt of Peoria, Il. and Lisa Spewer of Nashville, Tn.; nephews Johnny M. DeWalt of Garland, Tx. Jeffery Wayne Walker of Chicago, Il. Junior Walker of Milwaukee, Wi. and Rodney Dewalt of Rockford, Il; godchild Makeya Shevon Evans and special friend with thanks to Doris Rayfield.
Visitation and Service will be held on Saturday, September 2nd at Progressive Baptist Church, 305 Ann Street in Elgin. Visitation begins at 9:00am until time of service at 10:00am with interment immediately following at Bluff City Cemetery. Service will be officiated by Pastor Charles A. Ramsey of St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church in Elgin.