Lula Mae Russell

Lula Mae Russell departed from this life on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 7:40pm after a lengthy battle with cancer. Blind at birth, she was the youngest of three girls born to Noble and Evelyn Wettenton on May 23, 1926 in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended the Overlea School for the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland, where she excelled in music. She played the piano, organ, accordion, harmonica and sang and was encouraged to pursue a career in music at an early age. She loved the Lord and was inspired to serve him and praise him through her musical talents. She taught piano lessons. She played for the Christmas Parties given by Aunt Mary for Baltimore City’s children. Entertaining she enjoyed so much that she taught all her children to sing and encouraged them to play an instrument. She created a musical family that performed with her on different occasions. Although she was the musician for her church, she also played for many other churches and organization. In fact, you could find her most Sunday’s doing what she loved to do most, spending the day playing and singing at multiple churches. She did this for many years until her illness prevented her from doing what she so dearly loved. Lula Mae was given in marriage to late Charles Russell on June 21, 1950. Out of this union ten children were born, Henry and Louis Russell, Janet Russell, Myrtle and Gregory Russell, both of whom preceded her in death, and Jackie Mabry, her stepdaughter Ellen Baird whom preceded her in death, her stepdaughter Arline Pledger and Lilliam Russell, and her stepson Charles Russell Jr. She also leaves to mourn her son-in-law, Bernard Mabry, Jr., her sister, Beatrice Bumbry, five grandsons, nine granddaughters, eighteen great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, a devoted niece, Betty Russell and devoted friend, James Daughten and a host of other relatives and friends. Many will Miss Lula Mae with her melodious voice echoing throughout the church accompanied by the beautiful sounds from the piano. Her music was always dedicated to praising the Lord. All of her conversations gave glory to the Most High and ended in prayer.

Tributes

Lula Mae Russell

May 23, 1926 - December 18, 2001