Bertha Russ Molison

Ella Mae Bertha (Sis) Russ Molison, a dedicated retired St. Augustine High School Cafeteria Manager and Entrepreneur, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the age of 96. A native of New Orleans, Bertha was born on June 25, 1928, to the union of the late Henry John and Vernida Jasmine Russ.
Bertha received her elementary education at Blessed Sacrament in New Orleans. She attended Xavier University Preparatory and then completed her high school diploma at an adult education school.
She then went on to do culinary schooling, which was her passion; she started her food service journey at All Saints Catholic School and finished the last 38 years at St. Augustine High School, which she loved dearly. Throughout her journey, Bertha made it her duty to feed the city. She would go from the Eastbank to the Westbank, dropping off food daily and feeding the elderly on the weekends.
Bertha (better known as Sister) loved to laugh, party, and dance. She wanted to sing every song she heard, but every song sounded as if she was in an opera; listening to her make up her own words was a joy.
While growing up in the 12th Ward, she met the love of her life–the late James H. Molison. They married and had two beautiful daughters–Paulette H. McGowan and Aurelia V. Molison Moore, both of whom have passed; they also adopted a son–Harlin (Carol) Miller Sr.
She was a loving mother-in-law to the late David R. McGowan, and to Walter (Wanda) Moore Jr.
She had 7 brothers–the late Henry Roussell, and Henry, Bertran, Benjamin, Alex, and Phillip; and the living Lawrence (Joann) Russ.
Her paternal grandparents were Mary Jane Washington and John Henry Russ.
Her maternal grandparents were Henry Jasmine and Evelina Adams.
She loved being a grandmother to Ingrid (Donald) Moore-Bryant, Dana (Douglas) Davis, James (Toni) Moore Sr., Iyran (Shalanza) Moore, Raquel M. Sanders, Harlin (Bridgid) Miller Jr., Nia (Eric) Horn, Charlyn (Jalen), and the late Shantie M. Molison.
She was the great-grandmother of Kim Rokov, David R. McGowan II, Carlos (Kristen) Hall, Jonquel (Renee) Molison Sr., Alicia (Q) Johnson, James (Sunol) Moore II, Ericka Mc Gowan, Ariyal (Anthony) Chinn, Ashton R.W. Smith, Ashleigh Adams, Tori Molison, Dagenera (Benjamin) Molison, Irianne (Devin) White, Shyrann and Shonna Moore, Everette Horn, and the late Donté Hall.
She was the great-great-grandmother of Jeriyah Perry, Royal and Kingston Stevenson, James and Jeremy Moore, Que, Kyreen, and Sadea Johnson, Brian and Skylar Rokov, Madison, Melyani, and Denim White, Kri'shad Adams, E'Mynii Scott, Jonquel and Alayeh Molison, Ayden and Alyah Chinn, and Jalishiell Bentley.
She was a devoted aunt and great-aunt and a binding force of the family.
She also served as a confidante to numerous cousins and friends.
On March 12, 2025 she heeded THE MASTER'S CALL, abandoned her earthly vessel and maintained an appointment predetermined long ago. She will be reunited with those who made an indelible imprint on her life including her parents, brothers, children, granddaughter great-grandson, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
She will be remembered for her sassy disposition, great kitchen delights, gift of exhortation, numerous lifetime stories of growing up in the 12th Ward, and her "dropping it like it's hot at any moment" attitude.
Family; friends; and employees of All Saints Catholic School and St. Augustine High School, are invited to the funeral service on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Infant Jesus of Prague Church, 700 Maple Street, Harvey, LA 70058.
The Visitation will be from 8:00 AM until the time of service.
The Interment will follow at Evening Star Cemetery # 2, 1017 Grefer Avenue, Harvey, LA 70058.
The Repast will be held at University of Holy Cross, 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131.
Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.