Bernadette M. Russell

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 “Bernie” or “Maria” as she was affectionately known, never missed an opportunity to teach a life lesson and spread the word of God; her words of wisdom will live in the hearts of everyone she touched. God granted our beloved mother her heavenly wings after a long-fought battle with cancer. During the evening hours on August 31, 2022 our father dispensed an angel to our amazing mother, Bernadette Maria Russell. God fulfilled his promise of no more pain, no more suffering or sorrow; he restored her and gifted perfect peace and everlasting joy. Although we may not be able to see her face or hear her voice, we find peace in knowing GOD HAS YOU. With her task completed, Bernie as a good and faithful servant went home to be with the Lord. Bernadette Maria Russell was born October 15, 1958 to the late Hala Rose Sylvester and William Sessoms in Elizabeth City, NC. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Baltimore, MD where she was educated in the public school system. Maria graduated from Lake Clifton senior high school in 1977. Shortly after leaving high school, she attended Baltimore County Community College and earned an Associate’s degree in dentistry. Her passion for dentistry led her to the love of her life Gerald Russell via the Newman-Russell-Johnson Dental Office. Her craving for knowledge led her back to school where she graduated with honors from Morgan State University and later graduated Magna cum laude and received her Master’s from Towson University. Although her passion in life was her family, Bernie was a gifted educator. She directly shaped the mind of countless students in Baltimore over her 20+ year career; her wisdom continues to guide and shape the lives of many. Beyond her profession and family life, Bernie loved the Lord and enjoyed life to its fullest. Her dynamic and sassy personality brought life and joy to any function or engagement. Her deep and abiding faith brought peace to many throughout the years in the good and the bad times. Bernadette was united in holy matrimony to Gerald J. Russell on August 4, 1984. She is survived by her husband and two children: Gerald J Russell II( Kellie Russell), Gerria Russell, and two stepchildren, Gatina Dupont-Walker(Lamont Walker), Darrell Dupont (Tracey Dupont). Two sisters Juanita Anderson and Jacqueline Flythe (Tracey Flythe); three brothers, Jeffrey Sessoms( Annette Sessoms), William Sessom Jr., Larry Spence( Joyce Spence) six grandchildren, Ciarra Walker, Justin Walker, Landyn Walker, Lynaia Walker, Carter Dupont, and Olivia Russell, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends and coworkers. God knew best, and he brought her home. Today the family celebrates the homegoing of our beloved mother, sister, and friend, Bernadette Maria Russell. Although we will surely miss you, God brings me comfort knowing that you are at perfect peace. So rest now your battle is over reside with your Father & Rest Easy. A job well-done hats off Mommy.

Tributes

Bernadette M. Russell

October 15, 1958 - August 31, 2022