Gillie Deen Russell

Gillie Deen Russell was born on March 18, 1953, in Youngstown, Ohio and transitioned to her heavenly home on December 31, 2024.

Gillie was the daughter of Julia Mae (Davis) Porch and Fred Porch Jr. She graduated from The Rayen School and went on to further her education by earning a degree in Nursing from Youngstown State University. She worked as a registered nurse at Northside Hospital for over 40 years. During her professional career, Gillie was noted as being a member of the Black Nurses Association of Youngstown. She worked in many facets of nursing and excelled in all, but she thrived in labor and delivery. She was one of the first African American nurses employed at Northside and she served as a mentor for those following her.

Gillie met the love of her life, Charles R Russell in high school and they unified their love through marriage on Aug 4, 1969. From that union they had 3 children, Pam (Ben) Belle, Charise (Lorne) Rhodes and Charles Russell Jr. (Ideltra). They recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Gillie accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior through Katherine Kuman Ministries as a young adult and went on to be a member of Emmanual Community Church, serving as an usher, greeter and devote church member.

Gillie enjoyed traveling, making memories with her family, and in her spare time, she used her creativity to pursue personal interior design projects. She was known for her warmth, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel like family.

Gillie leaves to mourn her husband, Charles Russell; her children Pamela Belle, Charise Rhodes and Charles Russell Jr; her sisters Rev Wanda Richardson, Beverly ( Hyland III) Burton, her grandchildren: Joseph Belle, Layah Rhodes, Leah Rhodes, Della Russell, Loryn Rhodes, Charles Russell III; and a host of family, church family and friends.

Gillie was preceded in death by her parents: Fred and Julia Porch, her brothers: Harold Porch and Floyd Porch, her in-laws, Clarice Green, Beatrice Russell, her nephews: Hyland Burton IV, Elder Clyde Porch and a host of cousins and close friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Community Church 6512 Kirk Rd., Canfield, Ohio 44406.  A celebration of life service will follow at 10:00 a.m.  Services will be streamed at:  https://facebook.com/ECC4u

Ministry of comfort entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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