Ida Bessie Russell

Celebrating the Life of Ida Bessie Russell

Ida Bessie “IB” (McMillan) Russell was born in Quitman, TX to Walter R. “Lucky” McMillan and Bessie (Mallory) McMillan, July 6, 1933. Surrounded by her family, Ida peacefully entered eternal rest July 8, 2025, in Dallas, TX.

Ida was baptized at Brocks Chapel United Methodist Church in Quitman, and later became a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Dallas. She received her education from Quitman Colored School, grades 1-12. After graduating she studied at Wiley College in Marshall, TX. It was there she met Archie Woods. They were married from 1954 to 1959 and to this union 2 children were born.

In 1963, Ida moved her family to Dallas, TX were she built a life with her beloved, Robert C. Russell. The couple married in 1965 and to this union 1 child was born.

Throughout her career, Ida was employed as a dental assistant, a sales associate at Nieman Marcus, a clerk for Republic Bank, and an investments clerk at Fidelity Investments. After retiring in 1996 she returned to work briefly for Visiting Angels as home health caregiver.

Ida had a sly wit, a strong will and very inquisitive nature. She will be remember as often saying “You don’t ask enough questions. I think I’d want to know!” Ida loved shopping, and took satisfaction in keeping her home immaculate. She also enjoyed watching basketball , football, and solving word search and crossword puzzles. She was known among family for being a great cook, something she learned from her own mother.

Ida will be welcomed home by her parents, and brothers, Walter P. McMillan, and Mallory R. McMillan, her son, Stanley Marcus Woods, and her husband of 57 years, Robert C. Russell.

She is survived by her daughters, Charles Pansy Woods and Kimberly Sinclair Chatman; sister, Ollie Conger; six grandchildren, Nancy Woods, Stephen Byrd, Kyle Benbow, Mallory Russell, Kendall Chatman, and Lynnette Cooks; six great-grandchildren, Ty Brown, Michael Byrd, Jordyn Russell, Leonidas Byrd, Deonidas Byrd, and Raphael Charles Byrd; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Until we meet again...

“Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed’ for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold you up with my righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will tun into joy.” John 16:20

Committal service for Ida Russell will be held at 2:30 PM Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Visitation will be held Monday evening, July 21, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations.

Acknowledgements

To the Nurses and Sitters at Baylor Hospital and Vistas Hospice at Methodist Hospital in Dallas, TX Thank you for the gentle and compassionate care you showed our Mother and the peaceful atmosphere you created during her time of need.