Ethel Ruth Russell was born May 11, 1934, to Corinne Johnson in Kingsport, Tennessee. From a young age she was cared for by Florida "Mamaw" Lyle.

Ethel Ruth attended Douglas High School and played basketball for the Douglas Tigerettes. After graduating high school, Ethel Ruth worked for many establishments. She would go on to retire from Eastman Chemical Company after 38 years of service.

Ethel Ruth served on the Sons and Daughters of Douglas Alumni Board for many years and was a member of the Daughters of Elks Dunbar Temple #344.

Ethel Ruth accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age. She was a member of St. Mark Methodist Church in Kingsport, where she loved to sing in the choir and serve.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed cooking for her family and church and spending time with those she loved.

Ethel Ruth departed this side of life on Friday, July 28, 2023. She was preceded in death by her mother, Corinne Johnson; adopted mother, Florida Phipps "Mamaw" Lyle; brothers, Charles Lyle, Willie B. Lyle, and John Henry Lyle Jr.; sisters, Helen Underwood Fain, Shirley Liggette, and Vada Watterson; very special friend, Mr. Ray Leeper; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

To cherish her memories, Ethel Ruth leaves her loving children, Sherry Lynn Russell, Robin Nadine Russell, Teresa Diane Russell, and Wendell Scott (Gladys) Russell; grandchildren, Dion Russell, Koran Willis, Yerusha Dujon, Esther Rodolphe, Jesse Dujon, and Zion Dujon; great-grandchildren, Briasha Russell, King Russell, Prince Russell, Kingston Neale, Keenan, Ben, Eli Phillips, Bianca Russell, Aniya Stidhil, S. Cornett, Ny'zareyah Rodolphe, Da'Kari Dixon, Diy'lon Dixon, and Autumn Willis; special niece, Doris Calloway; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to close family and friends, Francis Hankins, Gladys Gambrell, Jane Goodwin, Ethel Skaggs, Monique Henry, Alicia and Damya Camp, William Odem, Judy Blye, the Mabry family, the Carnes family, Jennifer Calloway, her St. Mark United Methodist Church family, and her healthcare providers.