Ann Lois Russell

For a lifetime, Ann Lois Russell has been telling anyone who would listen about the goodness of Jesus. For decades, when she spoke about leaving this earthly world and finally seeing Him face to face, it was not in fear, but in faith. She knew heaven was real; that Jesus promised her a home over there. On Sunday March 16, 2025, she stepped into glory with grace. Welcoming her at Heaven’s gates was her Daddy, her beloved sisters, Lucretia, Ella Bell, Lucy, and Clara; her brothers, Roland, Tom, James, Calvin, and Fred Williams; and her mother, whom she hadn’t seen since she was four years old. While those she left behind wept, heaven rejoiced. Ann Lois Russell was born on July 31, 1937, in Demopolis, Alabama, to Roland Williams and Ella Harris. She grew up surrounded by family, always just around the corner, learning early on the power of hard work, “being clean,” dressing sharp, and the strength that comes from knowing who you are and Whose you are. From Daisy Street to Greendale Avenue, she believed in doing things decently and in order. For 21 years, she was a dedicated employee at Gorman Rupp, retiring on October 1, 1999. Ann was the quintessential Proverbs 31 woman-clothed in strength and dignity, rising early to prepare for household, and get on her knees and pray-calling nearly every single member of her family out by name daily. With all her heart, Ann poured her everything into her sons, Vincent and Van. Vincent, her rock-her firstborn, her sports all-star, the one she could count on for anything was with her until every end. The protector, the steady hand, the one who carries the mantle of her wisdom and her quiet strength. Van-the original mama’s boy-the one who filled her days with stories that would “tickle me so bad,” and with stories that would “tickle me so bad”, and with love that rand deep. They lived together, laughed together, and had a special bond that only a mama and son know. She raised her sons to stick together, and because of her, there are no closer brothers in this world than Vincent and Van – a testament to the Williams family legacy and the love she instilled in them. Most of all, Ann cherished her only granddaughter, her pride and crowning joy, Che’rie. Ann had always said she wished she had daughters like Lucy, Ella Bell & Creasie-and in God’s perfect way of blessing us with the desires of our hearts in ways we least expert it -she found her daughter in Che’rie. As aunt Lucy used to tease “It’s always Che’rie this’ and Che’rie that. I gotta go meet halfway to get Che’rie’ I gotta get Che’rie some school clothes. I gotta send this to Urbana for Che’rie. Che’rie coming for the summer.’ Che’rie, Che’rie, Che’rie. There was no better grandmama in all the world than Ann Lois Russell. She and Che’rie loved to put on makeup, good smelling perfume, have photo shoots at Kingwood Center with throw away cameras, and wear matching jewelry. Even today, if you look closely, you’ll notice that they are still matching earrings-a final, silent tribute to the deep connection, tradition and memories between them that will live on beyond the grave. But if there was one thing that would bring an even brighter light to Ann’s eyes, it was her double portion-her twin great-grandchildren, Ainsley and Roman James. They were to joy of her later years and the living proof of the prayers she had prayed for generations to come. Ann said her greatest peace come in knowing that Che’rie had found her true love and a good husband and father in Andreas James. When they got married, she would often say. “I can rest now.” Until her last breath, she covered them all love, in wisdom, and most of all, in prayer. Beyond her immediate family, Aunt Lois was crazy about all of her nieces and nephews. She cherished her memories of sleepovers, gardening sharing recipes, and just doing nothing but sitting around laughing and talking. She was known for letting nieces put on makeup at her house but hurry up and wash it off before their parents came to get them. Most of all, she always said she never woulda made it without Gwen & Debbie. They were her heart and stuck by her through it all. Ann will be deeply missed by her only surviving sister Beck (Leon), and all those who were blessed to call her friend or family. Whether it was a phone call early in the morning, a warm meal, or a few dollars folded up and handed to you in secret, Ann made sure the people she loved never felt alone. Ann loved Jesus, loved to serve at Crossroads Church, and loved to tell people like it is especially her kids, grandkids, and any all telemarketers calling her phone She loved to laugh dress, clean, shop for sales, bake pies study the Bible, and watch the news. If anyone reached heaven and heard, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant,” it was Ann Lois Russell. To God Be the Glory. The services will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11 am, with one-hour prior calling to the services at Crossroads Church – Ontario Campus, 636 Lexington Springmill Rd. S., Mansfield, Ohio 44906. The family has entrusted Small’s Funeral Services with the arrangements.

Ann Lois Russell

July 31, 1937 - March 16, 2025