Frances R. Russell

On July 12th, 1927, during some of the worse times for people of color Frances Rosalind (aka Rose) Shipley was born in Tipton, MO. She was the last child born (and the last to pass away) to the proud parents of Galveston Leroy Shipley and Francis Arvenia (Redmond) Shipley. Rose was protected and blessed with four brothers Lee, James, David, and Leland Shipley. She was guided not only by her mother but her older sister Miriam Geraldine Shipley. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Marvin B. Russell, siblings, daughter Marva Franks and son-in-law Aaron Thomas, granddaughter Tanya Russell, grandson Richard Franks Jr., and great granddaughter Mia Franks. Rose received Christ at an early age. She was baptized by Reverand Stewart at Prairie Grove Church, Tipton, MO, located two blocks from her family home. Her father, Mr. Galveston Shipley, was the town educator and took pride in teaching his daughter up to the 8th grade. Rose continued her education in Kansas City, MO at Lincoln High School. She enjoyed cooking and attributes her skills to her mother, teacher Mrs. Glee Jane Hopkins and two good friends Eva Dickson and Nannie Marshall. She was well liked and respected at Lincoln High school. Rose was chosen as Queen in her senior year and graduated in June of 1946. Rose was raised in the church and joined Second Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO at the age of 16. She met Marvin B. Russell (of California, Missouri) while in Tipton, MO during a track meet. Marvin was so taken away that he walked many miles to see Rose. Rose was a patient woman. She waited till after the war and after Marvin returned from the navy to fulfill his desire and marry her. Marvin and Rose were married September 17th, 1946. Marvin and Rose had six children Marva, Ronald, Morris, Eric, Lydia and Marvin, Jr. They were hardworking parents who always strived to provide the best for their children. They purchased and paid (in full) for a two-bedroom house where they raised their six close proud children. The house was small but full of fun, love, and lots of delicious meals. The Russell’s were One! They were blessed to have a very close family and great neighbors. When they walked outside it was like seeing their cousins. The family enjoyed the Rollisons, McGinnie’s & bonus daughter Annette McGinnie-Trotter, Fosters, Manley’s and many more. Rose was known for her skills in the kitchen. She could create a meal from anything. Rose would open the refrigerator and see flour, sugar, leftover meatloaf, oil and Bang! We had a full meal. Having six kids did not stop her from feeding others. Our house was the go-to house for good conversation, good food, laughs and advice from loving parents. After the death of her husband Marvin, Rose needed more help around the house. Marvin knew his sons & daughters would take good care of their mother along with their son-in-law John Taylor, Sr. John committed himself to Rose and Marvin from day one. Marvin & Rose were very proud to have a son-in-law who was truly a “son.” John checked on his mother-in-law and cared for her as her health declined. She was his “Mother Rosalind” and there was an unbreakable bond between son-in-law and mother in-law. Following the death of her only sister Miriam, Rose was also blessed to have her niece Daisy McCreary by her side on a regular basis. Daisy remained very close to her auntie and cousins. Rose leaves to cherish her loving memory and will be dearly missed by her children: sons, Ronald Russell (Robin), Morris Russell (Susan), Eric Russell (Alicia), Marvin B. Russell, Jr. (Michelle), daughter Lydia Russell-Taylor & bonus son/son-in-law John Taylor, Sr.; a host of nieces and nephews; 129 grands, great grands, great, great grandchildren; other relatives, friends, and her church family.

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