Mattie Joe Russell

Mattie Russell was born on December 6, 1947, in McDonough, Georgia, to the late Lottie Wade and Clifford Foster. She was raised between McDonough and Atlanta, cherishing her country upbringing with her grandparents, Clemmie and Mattie Wade, while also enjoying city life withher mother and stepfather, Charlie and Lottie Williams, and their family. At an early age, Mattie gave her life to God at New Hampton Baptist Church. She later became a faithful member of New Love Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board, sang in the choir, and served as treasurer. Later in life, she became a member of Green Forest Community Baptist Church. Mattie was a proud graduate of L.J. Price High School, Class of 1965, and later attended Georgia Perimeter College, where she pursued a business degree. Mattie shared a loving and devoted 42-year marriage with her late husband, Robert Russell. Their life together was filled with love, companionship, travel, laughter, and cherished memories. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Pamela Bell and Keisha Thompson, who were the pride and joy of their lives. From 1985 until 2021, Mattie served in various capacities with the Kelly and Wade Family Reunion. Her dedication and love for her family were evident in her commitment to keeping generations connected. In 2021, she was diagnosed with dementia, beginning a new chapter in her life. Family was at the heart of Mattie’s life. She cherished every opportunity to bring loved ones together through backyard cookouts, birthday dinners, holidays, and family reunions. She believed deeply in the importance of family and created memories that will continue to be treasured for generations. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Russell; her mother, Lottie Wade; her father, Clifford Foster; her stepfather, Charlie Williams; her sisters, Gloria Wade and Margaret Stiggers; her brother, Teddy Williams; her niece, Wykeitha Patillar; and her nephew, Anthony Abner. Mattie leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her beloved daughters: Pamela Bell (Cleveland) and Keisha Thompson; her sisters: Shirley Williams and Doris Broughton; her brothers: Kerry (Keisha) Williams and Derrick Williams; sister-in-law: Mrs. Johnnie Russell; brother-in law: Charlie Stiggers; nine grandchildren: Reginald (Janel) Bell, Rodney Bell, Constance Henderson, Chanceler Russell, LaJuana (Trey) Dean, Olivia Jenkins, Jordon Russell, Vintoria Bell, and Shauni Thompson; seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Mattie’s love, strength, faith, and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mattie Joe Russell

December 6, 1947 - August 28, 2026