Joan Anna Russell

Joan Anna Russell was called home to rest in eternal peace on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. She passed away peacefully at the PruittHealth Nursing Home in Charlotte, NC. She will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those whom she touched with her love for life, family and friends.

Joan Russell was born on Sunday, December 17, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY to Ernest and Elizabeth Johnson. She was the oldest of four children raised in the Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn and then in Harlem. She received her formal education in the NYC Public School system.

Joan was employed with the NYC Transit Authority and retired after 20 years as a Railroad Clerk. She was happily married to Arthur Russell "Tootsie" and they were the world to each other. They raised five children together.

Joan lived life to the fullest. She and Tootsie were famously known in the Amsterdam Houses in Manhattan for hosting the best house parties around. She loved taking the family on excursions. We went on picnics to the beach, partied on river boats up and down the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park, Coney Island and hosted Pokeno and card games.

Joan had a passion for fashion. For every occasion, whether it was shopping, working or traveling, she dressed immaculately. She had unique style, matching colors and patterns as though she was a fashion icon. When asked where she was going, Joan replied, "to work". Her second job was going to bingo. After retiring and moving to Las Vegas, Joan occupied the same seat at the same table, in the same bingo hall for over a decade. Joan was known as the Mayor of Las Vegas by some. Her friends often lined up to congratulate her on her big wins. Joan had a huge heart and was kind and generous to her friends and family.

Joan Russell is preceded in death by her parents Ernest Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson-Paulus, her husband Arthur Russell, sister Lauren Robinson, son Chauncey Russell, grandsons Derrick Russell and Jihad Sudan, granddaughters A-Leah Hardy and Karin Knox and great-grandson Jarred Poe.

Joan is survived by her four remaining children, Deborah (Alex) Hardy, Sharif (Shamika) Zyhier, Melanie Hazel and Jamal (Bridgette) Warwell. She leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, two siblings, Robert (Cheryl) Scott, Brenda George and a host of relatives.

A visitation for Joan will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM.