Judy Russell

Judy Marie Russell was born on August 12, 1946, to the union of Rev. Charlie P. and Drunette Johnson in Beaumont, Texas. From her early years, Judy was a beacon of love, faith, and service. She departed this life peacefully on March 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to family, faith, and community.
Judy's education began at Evan E. Worthing High School in Houston, Texas, where she not only excelled academically in Chemistry, Bio-Chem, and Nursing, but also became the beloved "Miss Homecoming" in 1965. She pursued higher education at Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, and later at Texas Southern University in Houston. Judy's thirst for knowledge was matched only by her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
At an early age, Judy gave her life to Christ and was baptized, eventually becoming a dedicated member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Houston, where she sang in the choir and served in various capacities under the leadership of her father, Rev. C.P. Johnson. Later, she joined Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston, where she continued her service to God under the guidance of Rev. Joe Samuel Ratliff.
Judy united in holy matrimony with Curtis Ray Russell Sr. in 1965, and their love story was one for the ages. Their union was blessed with two children: Curtis Ray Russell, Jr., and Edie Darlene Russell, as well as two grandsons, Curtis Russell III and Demarcus Williams, and two great-grandchildren, Hakeem Russell and Harlem Bradley. Judy's love for her family was immeasurable, and she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Professionally, Judy had a distinguished career. She was employed by the United States Postal Service and later worked as a Customer Service Manager for Prudential Insurance Company. She also made an impact as a Child Development Representative in local Day Care Centers in greater Houston, always striving to make the world a better place for children.
In her leisure time, Judy was an avid swimmer, enjoyed exercising, and had a passion for sports, cooking, and entertaining. Her home was always open to family, friends, and anyone in need. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved and valued, never hesitating to offer a helping hand to those in need. Judy never met a stranger and treated everyone with warmth and respect.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Curtis Ray Russell, Sr.; her parents, Rev. Charlie P. and Drunette Johnson; her brothers, Freddie Foutz, Charlie Johnson Jr., and David J. Johnson; and her sister, Maxine Frazier.
She leaves behind two children: Curtis Ray Russell, Jr., and Edie Darlene Russell, as well as two grandsons, Curtis Russell III and Demarcus Williams, and two great-grandchildren, Hakeem Russell and Harlem Bradley; cherished sisters, Elizabeth A. Shelton and Janice D. Woods (Archie); and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly. Judy's special friend, Ms. Corine Pramus, was a constant presence in her life and will forever hold a place in her heart.
Judy Marie Russell's life was a testament to love, faith, and service. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the community she so graciously served. May her soul rest in eternal peace.