Darnell Russell, Jr.'s Obituary
Darnell Russell, Jr. Obituary
Minister Darnell L. Russell, Jr. began his extraordinary vocation being a servant of the Lord on June 25, 1981, born the middle child of three to the parents Darnell L. Russell, Sr. and Sheila (Monden)Russell in the city of Chicago.
As a small child his infinite passion to become a scholar and preceptor of the Gospel was influential with a uniquely inspiring passion to be a servant of God and the church.
Although He graduated from Rich East High School in 1999, he spent 3 years at Thornton Township High School where he was known to express his flair for stylish suits, he was also known as the highschool’s mascot the Wildcat, and was a proud member of the Varsity Band and the Jazz Band.
After High School Minister Russell became a proud graduate of ITT Tech in 2006 where he earned an Associate’s degree in Architect and Design and Certified as a Massage Therapist in 2012 from Kaplan College. On October 16, 2012 Minister Russell united in holy matrimony with the love of his life LaRhonda Russell.
From this union a beautiful blended family was formed, making them the proud parents of five amazingly talented children Cheri (13), Tyra (12), Ciara (12), Tamara (9), and Darnell, III (2). Being a father was one of the greatest treasures of his life. You could count on him to be the loudest cheering parent in the room, the biggest supporter of his children’s talents and academics, and the dad always proud to brag on his babies. The smile he wore while admiring his children was one that will never be forgotten.
Minister Russell had a strong passion and desire to mentor and encourage those around him to always stand on the promises of God and never give up on faith, which stood out as he diligently and happily served as the Minister Adjutant to his Pastor Stephan Henderson of Reigning Glory Church of God in Christ where he was an active member.
In addition to his love for ministry he had an everlasting passion for musicianship as a talented drummer. He and the drums were inseparable as he used his gift and love for gospel music to worship beyond measure. As a result of his generous spirit, amazing ability to make others laugh, and pleasant personality he was loved dearly by his church family and friends. His tenacity, kind-heart, love for sports, and zeal for a great debate was truly a one of a kind.
Minister Darnell L. Russell, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his wife (LaRhonda Russell), his children (Cheri, Tyra, Ciara, Tamara, Darnell III) His Parents Darnell L. Russell, Sr. & Sheila C. (Monden) Russell a sister (Neishe’ K. Russell, RN), a brother (Demario Russell), a grandmother (Reverend Barbara J. Monden) and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by Estella Wilson (great-grandmother) Norman L. Russell, Sr. (grandfather) Tillie Russell (grandmother) and two paternal uncles, Demetrius Russell, Charles Russell.
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