Eloise Alfreda Russell was born on May 7, 1942 in Washington, D.C.  She peacefully transitioned at home, Friday, November 23, 2018.   She was the oldest child of the late Herbert and Wilhelmina Dixon Smith (deceased).

Eloise was educated in the Washington, D.C. school system and later completed several certifications in early childhood education.

Eloise lost her parents at an early age and so, family became very important to her.  She and her devoted husband, Bobby Russell, were married August 8, 1958, a full 60 years.  This union produced three children, Dana Nemecek of Dover DE, Karla Russell (Yvonne) of Atlanta GA and Darryl Russell of Laurel MD.

Accompanying her husband in his military career, Eloise spent many years in Europe, Hawaii, Ohio and Texas where she gained an appreciation of travel and exposure to other people and cultures.  She had a "zest" for life.   Eloise displayed a genuine love of people that surfaced immediately when you met her.  She had a particular passion for teaching and caring for small children, dedicating a career working in the daycare industry for most of her adult life.

She joined St. Paul United Methodist Church in the mid-1980s and immediately became active in ministry.  She attended Bible Study classes regularly, served as President of the Communion Stewards, participated in Liturgical Dance and various other dramatic activities.  She loved the Outreach Ministry and was one of the founding members of the Warm Nights winter shelter program, the Angel Tree Ministry; and volunteered with the SHARE Food Ministry up through the last few month of her life.  She was an avid reader who enjoyed travel and other activities with the Nubian Knowledge Book Club and socializing with her "sisters".

In addition to her husband, Bobby, her children, Dana, Karla and Darryl,  Eloise leaves behind three sisters – Lauriette Smith , Valerie McCoy, and Paula Eaves;  her cherished grandchildren are Keira, Kiana and Kolin Nemecek; Travis, and ToriLynn Russell, seven great-grandchildren, special sisters – Louise Greer and Shirley Smith.

She was blessed in having a surviving aunt, Geraldine Howard, and one surviving uncle, Leroy Smith, seven sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, dear friends and Book Club Sisters.  She was pre-deceased by four brothers, Larry, Harold, Vincent, and Herbert Smith.