Sharon R. Russell

Our beloved Sharon Rosanna Russell was born on January 31,1949 to the union of the late Simon and Sally Jackson in Brooklyn, NY. The youngest of seven children, she was also known as the “change of life” baby. As the youngest of such a big clan, Sharon exhibited all the signs of the “baby.” She was loud, feisty, and fiercely protective of her family. All traits that would become signature to the core of who she was. Sharon was affectionately nicknamed “Mommy,” by her father. A moniker that followed her throughout her life.

Sharon was educated in the New York City public school system, attending elementary and middle school in Bedford Stuyvesant. She went on to graduate from Clara Barton High School before attending the Borough of Manhattan Community College where she graduated with an Associate’s degree.

She became a follower of the Hebrew Religion at the Tabernacle of Israel via the high priests Fred McMurren and Mona McMurren of New York. She remained there until the passing of the heads of Tabernacle of Israel in the ‘90s. A woman of unyielding faith, she was also a member of the seventh day Adventist church in Brooklyn. 

In 1960, Sharon’s niece Regina Rahim founded the offenders aid restoration program (OAR) at Rikers Island. The organization acted as a liaison between inmates and the legal aid society, and there Sharon was a devoted volunteer of the organization until 1972. 

Soon after, Sharon’s natural assertiveness and take-charge spirit led her to the New York State Correctional Facility where she served as a correctional officer for 13 years. When that ended, she began a career with the New York City Transit Authority as a train conductor. She proudly served subway passengers for 23 years before retiring in 2010. 

In 1968, life led Sharon to Ralph Russell of Brooklyn, NY. From their marriage, Lashon Deneen Russell (Shon) was born with all of Sharon’s spunk and personality. She was easily one of her proudest accomplishments.

Shortly thereafter, her union with Daniel Brown of Brooklyn, NY resulted in a son, Daniel Odell (Danny) who she equally adored. For Shon and Danny, Sharon’s love knew no boundaries and they were blessed enough to be on the receiving end of it until their untimely passing in 1996 and 2014, respectively.

A love that she extended to her granddaughter Sy-kina Russell, who she became the primary caretaker of. Her adoration for Sy-kina was both palpable and profound and she devoted her life to keeping her happy, safe, and supported.

The epitome of independence, Sharon didn’t need a cosign from anyone to live life on her own terms. She was self-assured and rebellious in everything she did. To know her was to know that you couldn’t tell her anything! Also, an avid traveler, Sharon loved visiting friends and family all across the country.

She found great joy in family gatherings, for which she could not be moved from the bid whist table whether she cheated or not. She had a deep appreciation for music, often being able to draw on any era, song, or artist to fit any occasion. She also loved to dance and could always be found in the center of the dance floor whenever The Whispers, Luther Vandross, Charlie Wilson, Trey Songz or Usher came on. To Sharon, good music was good music.

In 2015, Sharon joined a preaching course at Calvary Manhattan at the recommendation of her cousin Patricia Cokely and fell in love with teaching God’s word. She continued studying the bible as a faithful servant until her final days. 

Sharon Russell transitioned on February 9, 2023, in Brooklyn, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents Sally and Simon Jackson; three brothers, Simon Jr. (Catherine), Edgar (Barbara) and Ernest (Yvonne); two sisters, Dorothy and Serena (George Sr.), her beloved children Lashon Deneen and Daniel Odell, and her husband Ralph Russell. 

She leaves to cherish her memory: her grandchildren Sy-kina, Shaquell, Tejon and Lavender, great-granddaughter Noelle, sister and best friend Trina Simmons, a special thanks to her nieces;  Deane and Dawn for being there until the end; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, daughter-in-law Tanisha Bell, longtime companion Eddie Reid, lifelong friends such as Sheila Hardy and Heddie Pope, coworkers and everyone she touched with her charisma and zest for life.