First Lady Russell serves as a warrior for the Kingdom of God. She is an anointed intercessor and dynamic teacher, standing as a strong powerful force against the demonic kingdom of Satan. Working with her husband and Pastor, Thomas P. Russell, they are “equipping the saints for spiritual warfare” and building up the Kingdom of God. Compassionate, kind, and humble, First Lady Russell aspires to be an inspiration. She is a true hugger and has an infectious personality. Her dedication to ministry and her testimony makes her an example of being a “True Worshiper” of Jesus Christ.
First Lady Russell was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of 10, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Spirit. The youngest of six siblings, First Lady Russell cherishes the memories of her mother, father, sisters, and many close relatives who have embellished her life. Through life’s trials and tribulations, she has learned to trust the Lord through all things. Life lessons have taught her when God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go; He will teach you how to soar through any and all circumstances!
In 2002 First Lady Russell moved to Phoenix, AZ with her late husband of 20 years, Dr. Erhabor, who passed in 2009. To their union two children were born, Emanuel and Ariel. First Lady Russell’s heart was opened to the beauty of love once again. By the Lord’s divine purpose, in 2013 she married Pastor Thomas Russell, an extraordinarily gifted and anointed man of God. From this union, she gained 3 sons TJ, Tyler, and Taylor, 2 daughters-in-law, Eleena and Yaninn, and 4 grandchildren. First Lady Russell and Pastor Russell discovered that their late spouses passed 10 weeks apart and they were buried around the corner from one another. First Lady Russell’s late husband was 42 and Pastor Russell’s late wife was 43 when they went to be with the Lord.
First Lady Russell graduated with her Master’s Degree in 1995 and worked in the IT field as a Director of Organizational Development. She enjoyed a prosperous career in corporate America working for over 15 years in the Information Technology field and completing her Project Management degree.
She also taught Management Information systems classes at the university level for over 10 years. Additionally, she enjoyed being a Realtor, which provided her the opportunity to do interior design for the sale of homes. Tragically First Lady Russell’s career was cut short after being struck by a drunk driver. The accident forced her into early retirement, but with a gift of resilience, she has continued to be an instrument for the Lord.
Although she has faced tragedies in her life, First Lady Russell knows God is faithful and worthy of our thanksgiving and praise.
One of her favorite scriptures is:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18