Myrties Hayes Russell

Myrties Hayes Russell, 89, of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023 surrounded by family in Houston, Texas. She was born on December 23, 1933 to Theodore and Nancy Hayes in Baton Rouge. After graduation from McKinley High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from Southern University. She also earned Master Degrees in both Education and Counseling from Southern University. She started her career as a Social Worker which left a lasting impact on her clients. Her former clients often called and she was always available for help and support. She spent the majority of her career as an educator for East Baton Rouge Parish Schools at Southeast Middle and Istrouma Middle Magnet. In 2004, she completed her 30-year career in education as a guidance counselor at Belfair Elementary.

In college she met and later married Albert Russell (deceased). She had two sons, Joseph (deceased) and Jonathan.

Myrties was passionate about her Catholic Faith. She was a loyal member of St. Jude Catholic Church. She taught religious education and recently celebrated her 35th anniversary as a member of Catholic Daughters of America.

Myrties was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In her free time, she enjoyed travel and ceramics. She was a loyal fan of the NBA, NFL, WNBA and Golf. The television always played for NBA games on Christmas Day. She was also the best maker of Gumbo.

She is predeceased by her father, Theodore Hayes and mothers, Nancy Hayes and Mabel Hayes; sisters, Dorothy Williams, Maxine Orphe; brother, Theodore Hayes; and son, Joseph Russell.

She is survived by her son, Jonathan Russell; brother, Louis Hayes and wife Patricia; sisters, Denise Lamotte and Debra Hayes; and many nieces and nephews.

She loved her family dearly. Her children were the light of her life and her relationship with her sisters and brothers was cherished. She was an amazing mother. She touched the lives of so many people. She will truly be missed and never be forgotten.

Special thanks to Timothy Fischer of Houston, Texas for all the help caring for Myrties.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church in Baton Rouge at 11 a.m on Monday, January 23, 2023. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Omega Omega Service conducted by Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at 9 a.m. Burial is to follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park in Baton Rouge. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.