HANNAH MAE (MARY ETTA) RICKS RUSSELL, passed away on June 10, 2026, at Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, VA @ 4:11 pm, just 7 days after her 97th birthday. Hannah was born on June 3, 1929, to James and Mary Tom Gray Ricks in Capron, VA. She was the last surviving child of that marriage union’s 17 children.

Hannah married Akin Russell in Courtland, VA on June 6, 1957. Together they raised 7 children: Rosemary Russell Colbert (Benjamin) deceased; Robert Russell (Jacqueline) of Hampton, VA; Wilfred Russell (Rita) of Newport News, VA; Ruth Russell of Newport News, VA; Akin Russell Jr. (Melissa) of Norwich, CT; John Russell (Rosalyn) (Deceased); and Jewel Russell (Keith) Stanley of Hampton, VA.

She is further survived by a special niece and a special nephew that she and Akin raised: Millie Ann Ricks of Cleveland, OH, and Paul Ricks of South Carolina. She also has one surviving sister-in-law, Bertha Ricks of Portsmouth, VA. as well as an array of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and other loved ones.

Raising her children in Windsor, VA, Hannah was a wonderful Mom and Homemaker. She found and fell in love with Jehovah God and His words of truth. She dedicated her life to Him and became one of His Witnesses in 1976. She enjoyed her activities as one of Jehovah’s servants.

After Akin passed away, Hannah learned to drive, obtained her driver’s license, and in 1977 moved to Hampton. She had a number of jobs upon moving to Hampton, but her last and most referenced one was that of Foster Grandparent for the City of Hampton. She really enjoyed it, helping to care for, mentor, and tutor young children.

Evey year Hannah would rent a space to have a family Family Dinner/Gathering. She was the perfect host She invited ALL of her Family! Her siblings and children and their families would come for a day of good food, conversation, games and fun! How we miss those happy times with all of us together.

Due to her failing health at the age of 95, Hannah could no longer live independently and moved with Robert and Jacqueline to receive assistance in daily living.

We will miss her greatly but we know, as she would always say, “These Are The Last Days!” She was looking forward to Jehovah’s promised New World ahead and the resurrection of our dead loved ones John 5:28,29 says . We are anxiously waiting to see her again!