Earl Vernon Russell, Jr.

Celebration of Life

for

Deacon Earl Vernon Russell, Jr.

Tuesday April 7, 2020

Deacon Earl Vernon Russell, Jr. was born on September 28, 1957 to Edna Russel Alexander and Earl Vernon Russell, Sr. in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He answered the call of God into eternal rest on March 22, 2020 at Atrium Health Main Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Earl received his primary and secondary education in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Social Studies from Livingstone University in Salisbury North Carolina and a Masters in Administrative Supervision from Kensington University in Glendale, California.  He carried out his profession as an educator with pride at Blythe Elementary School and Alexander Graham Middle School here in Charlotte, North Carolina and Barium Springs Home for Children in Barium Springs, North Carolina.  He also served an extensive tenure as head principal at Full Gospel Christian Academy in Newark, New Jersey and Charles Hart Junior High School, District of Columbia.

He met the love of his life Ann J. Russell in 2015 and they were married in December of 2017.  To that union he cherished one step daughter.

Until his passing, Deacon Earl was a faithful and dedicated member of the Connecting Place at Greater Salem in Charlotte, North Carolina where he served faithfully under the Leadership of Bishop Alan G. and Lady Annette Porter as a member of the Deacon Board, Christian Education Department, Music Ministry, Men of Valor and Hospitality Ministry to name a few.

Deacon Earl was a friend, confidant and mentor to a multitude of loved ones, family and friends.   Entrusted with his legacy are his loving and devoted wife Ann J. Russell, Step Daughter Barbara M. Blenman (Joshua) , granddaughter Alani J. Smith, all of Charlotte, North Carolina,  God daughters Jenelle Pickett ( Ambrose) Charlotte, North Carolina and Lawanda McCombs of New York, Brothers, Sisters , along with a host of extended family,  nieces, nephews, cousins, mentees and friends.  Earl was loved by many and his presence will be missed by all.

Special Acknowledgements:

The family of Deacon Earl Vernon Russell, Jr.   express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has extended their love and concern in this time of sorrow.  Special thanks to:

Bishop Alan Porter- Lady Annette Porter & the TCP at Greater Salem Church

Min. Demond Miller

Doctors, nurses and staff of Atrium Main ICU

His Dream Team at Glenwater Renal Dialysis

His entire Livingstone College family also known as “The Pack”.

Special Transportation Staff of CATS

And the Staff of Alexander’s Funeral Services