ora d. russell evans
1918-2010
Life Story
Birth & Family Background
Ora D. Russell was born on June 13, 1918, to Escella Clifton Russell (1895–1979) and Lula Wilder Russell (1897–1938). She grew up in Newton County, Mississippi, during a period when faith, family, and community responsibility were central to everyday life.
Marriage & Family
Ora married Elbert Evans (1907–1999) around 1944. From this union, one child was born:
- James Elbert Evans (1945–2005)
Their marriage reflected the stability of extended family life rooted in the St. John community.
Education & Early Life
Ora completed the 8th grade of elementary school, which was a notable level of education for African American women of her generation in rural Mississippi. Her schooling prepared her for lifelong responsibilities centered on home, church, and community service.
Occupation
In the 1950 census, Ora’s occupation was listed as keeping house. Like many women of her era, her work extended beyond the household to include informal caregiving, church support, and participation in women’s religious and civic activities.
Church & Community Involvement
Ora D. Evans was an active member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she regularly appeared in church-related programs and reports. Newspaper accounts document her service in the Women’s Missionary Society, including participation on devotional committees for annual Women’s Day observances.
She was consistently identified as a woman entrusted with program responsibilities—an indication of her respect within the church and her commitment to spiritual leadership among women.
Death & Burial
Ora D. Russell Evans passed away on February 12, 2010. She was laid to rest at St. John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard in Newton County, Mississippi, alongside generations of family members who shared her faith and community ties.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current
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