Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at the Greater Friendship Baptist Church, 646 Lakewood Ave., for Mrs. Canary Russell, 85, who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.

Mrs. Russell was born April 21, 1932, in Hartwell, Ga., a daughter of Emmett and Mattie Martin McKelley.

She was a 1951 graduate of East High School and had worked 40 years with the Diocese of Youngstown at St. Patrick’s Church Rectory, retiring in 2015.

She was the longest and oldest member of the Fellowship Baptist Church, serving as announcing clerk, as an usher and on the Gospel Chorus ministries before its closing. She had presently been a member of the Greater Friendship Baptist Church.

Canary enjoyed cooking and baking, especially sweet potato pies and German chocolate cakes. She was also a member of a traveling club called “The Socialites.”

She leaves to mourn her passing, but rejoice in her peace, two daughters, Denise A. Russell of Youngstown and Terry L. (Anthony) Gatling of Las Vegas; three grandchildren, Tanesha Russell-Coleman of Gahanna, whom she helped rear, and Tierah (Bryan) Russell-Johnson and Anthony Gatling Jr., both of Las Vegas; five great-grandchildren, Jayshawn Coleman of Youngstown, Johnae Coleman of Gahanna and Kylee Johnson, Bryan Johnson Jr. and Bryson Johnson, all of Las Vegas; an aunt, Dorothy McKelley of Columbus; two nieces, Carma Matthews and Sonya (Gregory) Kornegay; a nephew, Derek McKelley; and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Emmett; mother and stepfather, Mattie and Leslie Lawrence; her husband, Clyde, whom she married April 20, 1957, and who passed away May 16, 1969; a brother, Homer McKelley; and a sister, Delphia Lee Matthews.

Friends may call on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.