Deacon Elizabeth Russell “Liz” was born August 25, 1933, to the late Annie Lee Curry and Wade Permito. She was the oldest of her four brothers born to Coleman and Annie Lee Jones. Later in life she reunited with her brothers and sister of Wade Permito.
Liz began her Christian walk at the age of 13 at the Mt Harris Baptist Church in Aiken, South Carolina, where she was baptized. She attended Aiken Grade School and Martha Scofield High School in Aiken, South Carolina.
Liz relocated to New York City in 1952. On December 11, 1955, she was united in Holy matrimony to the late Selma Russell.
In 1962 Liz joined St Matthews Baptist Church, in 1962. She served in many ministries over the years. She was a member of the Usher Board for 17 years, of which she was the President for five years; she was active in the Sunday School Ministry and taught an Adult Class for a short period. She was also the Treasurer for the Sunday School Ministry and Christian Education Ministry. Many years ago, she was a member of the Gospel Chorus. She also served as a volunteer for the Soup Kitchen Ministry and for many years and was active in the Five O’clock Prayer Band, which involved many churches in the Harlem and Bronx Communities.
Liz was ordained as a Deacon on June 10, 1989, under Rev. Dr. John J. Sass and held the honor as the first elected female Chairperson of the Diaconate Ministry in NYC. She served in that position until 2018 when she became Chairperson Emeritus of the Diaconate Ministry.
She was also a member of the United Benevolent Usher League and, she attended New York School of The Bible in Manhattan.
Liz was employed by the Department of Education, for 18 years, where she was the Dietician at the West Side High School, New York City.
Liz enjoyed cooking, crocheting and cosmetology and she loved to cook and eat good food. Her favorite color was hot pink.
She was a mother to many, a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Liz was a kind and loving and giving person, she loved to laugh and have fun and she loved being around children. She loved everybody and she didn’t meet any strangers. She had a sweet and loving spirit.
Her favorite scripture was: Mark 8:36: For what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Her words to live by were: “TO ALWAYS GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOR ALL THE THINGS HE’S DONE FOR US.”
Liz was predeceased by both her parents, her husband Selma of 45 years, her daughter Jinnell and brothers, Bobby, Coleman Jr, Willie, and Wade.
Liz leaves to cherish memories of a life well lived, daughter; Emma Jean Russell of (Del Valle, Texas), Brother Bennie(Glenda) Jones Houston, TX, Step-sons, Selma Jr (Wanda) Russell, Montgomery Ala, Eugene (Jackie) Davis, Cleveland, Ohio, Sister Betty, New Jersey, Grand-son- Elliott (Keitra) Thomas, Austin, Texas, Grandaughter Ina (Johnnie) Cruel New York City, Great Grand-son Elliott E. Thomas Bronx, NY, God-daughter Doris Chever (Niece) Bronx, NY, Eight Nieces, Four Nephews, Nine Great-Grandchildren and a host of devoted relatives, lifelong special friend Fannie Scott and a host of spiritually adopted children.
Respectfully Submitted, The Family
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