Pastor Maggie Lynn Russell

Maggie "Mary" Lynn Russell was born on April 14, 1945, in Middleton, Tennessee, to the late William Hampton Bowden and Indiana Lake Bowden. Raised in a loving and faith-centered home, she was nurtured with strong values that shaped the remarkable life she would lead. She attended Bolivar Industrial High School, graduating in 1965, and soon after made her way to Norwalk, Connecticut-a city that would become the place where she built her family, ministry, and legacy.

In August 1996, she married Calvin Russell. To this union were born two children who became the joy of her life: Felicia Yvonne Russell and Stacey Bernard Russell.

Pastor Russell loved God above all else, followed closely by her deep and unwavering love for her grandchildren and her family. She was known by many names-Mommy, Ma, Grandma, Grandma Sweetie, Aunt Mary, Auntie, Miss Mary, Pastor, and Maggie-and she answered to each of them with pride, affection, and grace.

Her spiritual walk began early, and her commitment to ministry was evident throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Samuel J. Williams, faithfully serving on the Senior Usher Board. On September 19, 1987, she received her Minister's License from the Church of Christ in Prayer, Incorporated, under Bishop Dozier Shields of New Haven, Connecticut. Her spiritual education continued with dedication: she graduated from the Connecticut School of Christian Religion on May 15, 1988; received a certificate of credit from Carver Bible Institute, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia, on May 11, 1989; and earned her Bachelor of Theology Degree from Christian Leadership Bible College, Inc. on June 3, 1990.

In October of that year, Elder Russell was appointed Pastor of Christ Temple Church of Christ in Prayer (C.O.C.I.P.), where she faithfully served as pastor until the day the Lord called her home. She preached her final sermon on Sunday, November 9, 2025, and joyfully celebrated her 34th Pastoral Anniversary on Sunday, November 2, 2025. One of her greatest joys was sharing the Word, and she often reflected on her favorite scripture, Psalm 34, which shaped her life of worship and service.

Pastor Russell leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Felicia Russell (Keith) and Stacey Russell (Kimberly), both of Norwalk, CT; her grandchildren: Calvin Stewart, Olivia Moseley, Myles Russell, and Ryan Russell, all of Norwalk, CT; and her great-granddaughter, Mya Rose Stewart of Merrimack, NH. She is also survived by her siblings: Mattie Bowden and Martha Conner of Norwalk, CT; Jimmy Bowden (Bobbie) of Bolivar, TN; Thomas Bowden of Bolivar, TN; Gladys Bowden of Houston, TX; Pastor Gene Bowden (Linda) of Whiteville, TN; Clarence Bowden of Norwalk, CT; and May Helen Jones of Nashville, TN.

She is lovingly remembered by her godchildren, Yasheika Battle Langley and TaReda Ragin; her former husband, Calvin Russell (Barbara) of Whiteville, NC; special friends Eutaline Smith and Hilda Rees; and her sisters-in-law: Edith Russell of Durham, NC; Lillian McElveen of Raleigh, NC; Lela Bryant of Whiteville, NC; and her brother-in-law, Marshall Nichols of Hallsboro, NC.

Pastor Russell's life was a testament to faith, perseverance, compassion, and steadfast love. She ministered with conviction, served with humility, and loved with her whole heart. Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she adored, and the ministry she so faithfully led.

We thank God for the gift of her life and the blessing of her example. May her memory continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.