Mary Etta Russell

Mary Etta Russell passed away in her home on May 25, 2026.

She was born on July 14, 1953, in Newport, Arkansas, to parents Kenneth and Genola Masters. She lived a colorful childhood on her family’s farm as the fifth child in a family of eight children, “just in case one or two got eaten by alligators,” Kenneth would joke. Her calling in life of caring for children started early as she helped raise three spirited younger brothers, a job few would have survived. As a child, she enjoyed singing with her siblings and worshiping at Possum Grape Church of Christ, where her lifelong devotion to Christ began.

She attended Bradford Public Schools through graduation, where she would later return as a beloved teacher after obtaining her Master’s in Education from Harding University.

She was married to the love of her life, Donnie Russell, for 32 years before his passing. Together they adopted six children and helped raise countless more. She attended church at Covenant Fellowship in Searcy, where she was known for bringing a large passel of kids each Sunday. After church, she often stopped at McDonald’s PlayPlace for Happy Meals and ice cream cones, if you were good, and even if you weren’t.

She enjoyed music and excelled at playing the piano and guitar, though her family said her musical abilities stopped when it came to the accordion. She loved camping, sitting around the campfire with family, and was an animated storyteller.

Mary Etta was a teacher at Bradford Public Schools for 32 years, where she impacted the lives of countless children with her loving nature. To many students, she was more than a teacher. She was a safe place, a listening ear, and someone who believed in them when they needed it most. She formed lifelong friendships with her beloved coworkers and remained deeply loved by generations of students long after they left her classroom.

In retirement, she spent precious time with her sweetie, Donnie, and enjoyed being a Nana and Nanny to many grandkids. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Jacob’s Place homeless shelter for many years and often opened her own home and property to people in need.

Whether you called her Nanny, Mrs. Russell, Mary Etta, or Etta Spaghetta, she was bound to have been a bright light in your life.

She was welcomed into heaven by many loved ones, including her parents, Kenneth and Genola Masters; her husband, Donnie Russell; sisters Jerri Masters and Faye Moore; and brothers Jerry Don Masters and Gary Masters.

She leaves behind countless loved ones, including her siblings O’Neal (Connie) Masters, Terry (Deborah) Masters, and Jean (William) Adams; her children Larry (Brenda) Russell, Deborah Russell, Jayme Russell, Andrea Treat, Derrick Treat, and Matthew Russell; along with 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A special thanks to Etta’s right hand, and sometimes her left, Kayla Cook, who cared for her and her estate with love, patience, and unwavering dedication.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, June 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Possum Grape Church of Christ. Funeral services will follow, with interment afterward at Evergreen Cemetery in Judsonia.