Mavis Lee Russell quietly transitioned into eternal life on August 18, 2020. She was born on November 17, 1932 in Scranton, NC. Mavis was the daughter of the late Lucy Barfield and Roland Swinson. She was raised by John H. Barfield, who she affectionately called ‘daddy’.
Mother accepted Christ at an early age. She was a lifetime member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the No.2 Usher Board and sang in the No.2 Choir. She was a member of the Queen Esther New Thomas Wheaton No. 2 Eastern Star and Margaret M. Johnson Tent No. 745.
Mother retired from FW Woolworth after 36 dedicated years of employment. Additionally, she was actively engaged in the sit in for equal rights. She loved to travel and visited beautiful destinations such as Canada, Bermuda as well as many locations along the east coast. She had no problem ‘voicing her opinion’ and ‘always ready to back it up’. Mother deeply valued spending time with family and friends. Most of all, she was a loving mother, grandmother and devoted caregiver to her parents. Mother may be gone from our sight, but never gone from our hearts. We will always remember her beautiful smile.
Mother was preceded in death by her sister, Alverta Powell and brothers, Willie Barfield, Chester Barfield, Randy Swinson and Rudy Swinson. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Vernon Russell, daughter Paulette Watson (Al) and brother, Robert Barfield; grandchildren Donna, Katrina, Chereta, Vernetta, Ortiz and Bryan; 15 great-grandchildren, 8 great great-grandchildren; goddaughter Roslyn Smith and cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
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Perry Hargrove says
August 24, 2020 at 12:43 pmThe Hargrove family wishes to express our deepest sympathy. We will cherish our memories of Miss Mavis as a woman of faith and a lifelong family friend. May she rest in heavenly peace.
Donald Smithers says
August 25, 2020 at 7:50 pmVernon , Paulette, and family .The Biggs family extend our condolences to you all in the loss of your mom. Heart felt thoughts go out to you. I am always asking Vernon how Ms Mavis is doing whenever we see each other. i just found out tonite of her passing. I am reminded of the scripture Psalm 30: 5 Weeping may endure for a night, But joy cometh in the morning..May she rest in peace
Bonnie Biggs Smithers
Gloria Bostic says
August 26, 2020 at 9:19 amThe Bostic family would like to give our condolences to Vernon and Paulette for the lost of their mother. Although we were on different usher boards and choirs we share a long friendship at Antioch. Will miss your smile but also that laugh you had especially when we would have our conversations about different things. It was a great privilege having you as a friend. Will see you again one day.
Karen Jay says
August 26, 2020 at 1:10 pmDear Paulette, Vernon, and Family:
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always cherish the lovely chats that I had with Cousin Mavis at various family reunions in North Carolina. During this difficult time lean on your faith in God, Family, and Friends.
May you find comfort in the word of the Lord. – John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he may die, yet shall he live, and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?
All my love.
Gary Dent says
August 26, 2020 at 4:24 pmMrs Mavis as we affectionately called was the most kind and loving member of Antioch Baptist Church. She care for the children of the church and taught us well. We felt her love and care for each and every one of as we grew up. I ask God to be with my friends Vernon and Paulette. Your mom and other members of the Antioch Baptist church made a difference in my life and upbringing. I will never forget my experience there.
To God be the Glory
Patti F Haley says
February 11, 2022 at 6:15 pmI am just learning of the passing of this beautiful soul. She was a good friend to my father Allen Kirkman. She was there for him at the end of his life here on earth. She always had a smile on her face and pleasant conversation. Heaven gained an angel.