Mrs. Jannie Mae Brown Russell was born on July 22, 1948, to the late Oregan Emerson and Lillie Mae Bostick. Jannie was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Mr. Thomas Russell, Sr.  They shared a marriage for 57 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Maggie Emerson; two brothers, Silas Emerson and Ronald Bostick.

She leaves to cherish fond memories: her devoted and loving husband, Thomas Russell, Sr; six children, Thomasena Russell, Lohoma Russell, Thomas Russell, Jr., Patrice Russell, Claudia Barnes, and Andrea Roberts; eight brothers, Oregan Emerson III,    Herbert (Michell) Emerson, Byron Emerson, Willie (Millie) Bostick Jr., Ernest Bostick, Ulysses Bostick, twin brothers, Jamar and Omar Grant Brown; nine sisters, Lucille Emerson, Elizabeth Emerson, Flora Emerson, Sylna Lee (BG), Regina Emerson, Tanvel Lee, Elease (Marion) Johnson, Bettye Bostick, Sarah (Harry) Hutchinson; three brothers-in-law, Willie (Alberta) Russell, Roosevelt Russell and Anthony Flemming; sister-in-law, Nell Flemming; two aunts, Nora Brown and Rosa Mae; 2 god-sons,   Isadore Johnson and Joseph Robinson; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sympathizing friends.