Betty Jean Russ

Betty was born April 6, 1942 in Bainbridge, GA, the daughter of the late Jesse and Ella Mae (Marshall) Donalson. She lived in Ft. Pierce, FL before moving to Cape Cod shortly after marriage. She completed her high school requirements and was trained as a Certified Nursing Aid. For over 20 years, she was a beloved staff member at White Hall Nursing Home in Hyannis.

She was an active member of Zion Union Church for over 50 years, where she was a Deacon and member of the choir. Known for her angelic voice, Betty was a founding member of the Zion Union Trio and loved singing gospel songs with her loving husband Rufus. Often, you could hear them both singing The Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.

Above all else, Betty loved her family. She was the family matriarch and served as the glue that held everything together. She enjoyed hosting and cooking large family meals and was known for her famous cornbread. She was an avid collector of angel figurines and was a lifelong contributor to various charities. During the summer months, you would find Betty in her screenhouse talking with friends and family for hours. She found the most joy when she was surrounded by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Betty and her siblings were a dynamic bunch that enjoyed “cutting a rug” at their infamous basement parties at their sister Dorothy’s home. These epic celebrations were filled with good food, laughter, and plenty of shenanigans. As the years passed, Betty and her siblings maintained a special bond. She would visit with her sister Regina while one of the kids would get the infamous “press & curl” with an occasional scorched ear. Her brother Buster Donalson only lived a few houses away from Betty and would often swap a single egg, a cup of sugar or even a few ice cubes.

In addition to her husband Rufus Russ, Jr., Betty is survived by her daughter Katrina (Russ) Scott and her husband Michael of Union, NJ; four grandchildren Anthony Allen Russ of Hyannis, MA, Joslyn Lee Russ and husband Adolfo of Pittsburg, PA, Tacara Rose Russ of Hyannis, MA, Skyla Russ of Hyannis, MA and five great-grandchildren Dwayne Elliott, Sa’Rai Elliott, Genesis Soto, Adolfo Soto, Jr; Amya Russ. Sammy Donalson (like a son) and his wife Sherrie of Hyannis, MA; Bernyce Donalson (like a sister) of Hyannis, MA.

Betty is predeceased by her son Rufus Russ, III (son), Darrell Russ (grandson), her siblings Dorothy Donalson, Jesse Donalson, Jr., Regina Ewing, Buster Donalson and her beloved dog Caine.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, December 22nd at Zion Union Church, 805 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601 from 11AM - 12PM immediately followed by a celebration of life service. The burial will take place at Oak Neck Cemetery in Hyannis, MA.