Rita H. Russell

Rita Louise Hubbard Russell transitioned to her eternal home on Sunday, August 27, 2023.  She was born in Richmond, Virginia, on March 10, 1952, to the late Thelma Tucker Booker and Donell Stuart Scott, Sr.

Rita was affectionately known and loved by many.  She grew up in Churchill, receiving her early education in Richmond Public Schools.  She was a graduate of Maggie L. Walker High School, where she was a proud majorette in their marching band.  Rita attended Rutledge College of Richmond and studied nursing. She loved to drive, and provided transportation for Richmond Public Schools students, as well as disabled and handicapped youth and adults for many years. 

Rita accepted the Lord as her Savior at a young age, and was an active congregant at Cedar Street Baptist Church for much of her life.

Rita was an amazing cook and often displayed her affection by feeding people.  She devoted many years of her life to caring for others. She was a creative woman of many talents, and was the life of the party. She enjoyed dressing up, which often included color-coordinated suits & fancy hats. Rita enjoyed listening to her favorite music, singing, dancing, playing Bingo, and trips to the Casino.  Rita's home in Woodcroft Village was often the one-stop shop to get a hot meal, a cold libation, a tasty snack or an iceberg, and fellowship with friends.

Rita's feisty attitude, quick-wit, and sharp tongue were unmatched by many.  She was fiercely protective of her children and others that she loved.  Rita had a kind heart, and would help those in need in any way she could.

Rita was preceded in death by her first child, Yolanda, her mother, Thelma, father, Donell, step-father, Joe, her husband, Bobby Ray Russell, and sisters Sylvia and Shirley, and close friend, Jackie Jones.  She leaves to cherish her loving memory, two sons, Andra Hubbard and Chea Brown (Shamari), two daughters, NaTeishia Barbour (Eric Sr.) and LaShell Samuel; grandchildren, Shalanté (whom Rita raised from birth), Shareá, Demetria, Equa'sjae, Eric Jr., Eshaunté, Zanihia, Eric (Way), Essence, Keiaja, and Tylee; great-grandchildren, Qua'Mir, Nyla Rose, and Londyn; devoted cousin Bessie Coleman, devoted god-siblings of The White Family, siblings Renita, Mary, Donell Jr., and Sharita; devoted god-son Torren, and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends, neighbors, and classmates.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m.  -  7 p.m. on  Friday, September 8, 2023 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023. 

Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.