Carlota Russell

**In Loving Memory of Carlota Anice Russell**

Carlota Anice Russell was born on February 21, 1943, in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, to Eunice "Miss Eunice" Johnson. Known by many names throughout her life, she was affectionately called "Sister Russell" by her church family, "Aunty Carla" by her relatives, and simply "Cal" by her friends. Though she was her mother's only child, she was one of eight children on her father's side. From an early age, Sister RUssell assumed responsibilities far beyond her years, caring for several of her younger siblings by cooking, cleaning, and nurturing them with a love that would become the defining characteristic of her life.

Among her siblings, she shared an especially profound bond with her beloved brother Danny, later known by his chosen African name, Osageyfo Kofi Tongogara-Tewodros. Rarely was one seen without the other nearby, earning them the affectionate nickname "Psyche & Trim," a reference they both remembered with delight throughout their lives. Although Danny preceded her in death, their extraordinary bond remained one of Carlota's most treasured relationships.

Sister survived a challenging childhood. She seldom spoke about those years herself, choosing instead to focus on the blessings she found throughout her life. Those who knew her best witnessed not the pain she had endured, but the remarkable woman she became. Despite hardship that could have hardened her heart, Carlota emerged gentle, compassionate, generous, and deeply loving. Her life stands as quiet testimony that suffering need not extinguish kindness.

Though naturally shy, Sister Russell formed deep and lasting friendships. Among the dearest was Elaine Joy "Aunty Elaine" Wint, whom she met while attending teachers' college in Jamaica. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong sisterhood built on mutual love, faith, and unwavering support.

In 1963, Sister Russell welcomed her first daughter, Karen MacPherson, into the world. Determined to create greater opportunities for her child, she made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States in 1975, leaving Karen temporarily in the loving care of family while she established a new life. It was a sacrifice born entirely of love.

In Boston during the late 1970s, she met and married fellow Jamaican immigrant Terrence Russell. Together they welcomed two daughters, Ann Marie in 1979 and Stacey in 1982. Once she had built a stable life in the United States, Carlota joyfully reunited her family by bringing Karen to live with them. At last, all three daughters were together—a moment that represented the fulfillment of years of sacrifice, perseverance, and hope.

Nothing brought Sister Russell greater joy than being a mother.

Even after divorce left her raising two young daughters as a single parent, she embraced motherhood with remarkable grace, creativity, and delight. Her daughters remember a childhood rich not in material things, but in love, laughter, and imagination. They remember their mother enthusiastically reciting *Sesame Street* skits alongside them, pushing them on playground swings before happily climbing onto one herself, and spending warm summer evenings catching fireflies together. To them, she seemed like Mary Poppins—or perhaps even more fittingly, Maria from *The Sound of Music*, her favorite movie—bringing music, warmth, wonder, and unconditional love into ordinary days.

Her faith was the foundation upon which she built her life.

Sister Russell first worshipped in the Seventh-day Adventist tradition before becoming a devoted lifelong member of Bethel Church of God Seventh Day. To all who knew her there, she was simply "Sister Russell." Her faith was not something she reserved for church services—it permeated every aspect of her life. Every Friday evening she gathered her two younger daughters for family devotions to welcome the Sabbath, creating a sacred tradition that grounded their home in Scripture, prayer, and worship. Saturdays were devoted entirely to church, fellowship, and rest. She prayed daily. She dressed modestly. She lived humbly. She gave generously and selflessly to anyone who expressed a need.

She once told her children that when someone asked her for help, refusing "did not even occur" to her. That simple statement perfectly captured the way she lived. Compassion was not something she occasionally practiced—it was simply who she was.

Like so many first-generation Caribbean immigrants, Sister Russell worked tirelessly to build a better future for her family. She often held multiple jobs simultaneously, working around the clock while raising two young daughters on her own. She served as a substitute teacher, cared for individuals with developmental disabilities, and eventually attended community college in the Bronx to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She pursued her education while balancing work, motherhood, and the countless responsibilities that came with building a new life in a new country.

Life was not always easy. There were seasons when making ends meet required extraordinary sacrifice. Yet through every hardship, Carlota retained something precious—a light within her. A quiet glow.

She loved music. Gospel music filled her home, but she also delighted in singing Harry Belafonte classics like "Island in the Sun" and "Jamaica Farewell." She sang enthusiastically and unapologetically, often reaching notes that were more ambitious than accurate. Those who loved her smile when they remember those joyful performances.

She also loved to laugh.

Few things delighted her more than Jamaican comedian Oliver Samuels or the "Hey Mon" sketches from *In Living Color*. Her laughter itself became unforgettable—a wonderfully high-pitched expression of pure joy that let everyone nearby know she was genuinely, completely happy.

As her daughters became mothers themselves, Sister Russell embraced perhaps her favorite role of all: grandmother.

When Ann Marie and her husband, Mike LaRiccia, welcomed their son Michael into the world, Sister Russell was there from the very beginning, helping care for him with the same devotion she had shown her own children. Five years later, when granddaughter Ava was born, she lovingly cared for Michael while his parents welcomed their new baby. She stayed up through the night, cooked meals, cleaned the house, rocked babies to sleep, and gave endlessly of herself without expectation of recognition or reward. She simply loved.

She cherished Karen's children—Andre, Jermaine, and Natasha—with the same boundless affection. So deep was their bond that they lovingly called her "Mommy," a reflection of the profound comfort, security, and unconditional love she provided throughout their lives.

Sister Russell's greatest legacy is not found in wealth, titles, or public accomplishments. It is found in the goodness she carried within her and so freely shared with the world. Her purity of heart. Her unwavering kindness. Her gentle spirit. Her steadfast faith. These are the gifts she passed on to her children, who have spent their lives striving to embody those same virtues and to pass them on to the next generation.

When Alzheimer's disease entered Sister Russell's life, it gradually stole many of her memories. But it could not rob her of her sweetness.

Even as so much else faded away, her loving nature endured. Her kindness remained. The gentle heart that had defined her for more than eight decades continued to shine through until the very end. In many ways, that may be the clearest testimony of all to the life she lived.

Those who knew Sister Russell will remember a woman of unwavering faith, remarkable resilience, contagious laughter, tireless generosity, and unconditional love. She taught not through grand speeches, but through daily example. She showed her family that true faith is expressed through compassion, humility, sacrifice, forgiveness, and service to others.

Her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now restored—her mind renewed, her memories whole, her burdens lifted, and her joyful voice raised once again in praise to the God she loved and faithfully served throughout her life.

Well done, good and faithful servant.