Elder Delores Roberta (AKA Alberta) Russ, the youngest of two daughters, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 8, 1933, to the late Ellis and Sadie Russ. She departed this earthly realm and took her heavenly flight on January 11, 2021.
Her Education
Delores Russ received her education at the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools in Baltimore City, graduating in June 1952. While working full-time, she attended, graduated with honors and earned her Associate of Arts degree from the Baltimore City Community College in 1989. Always eager to expand her knowledge, she pursued additional studies at Coppin State College and the University of Baltimore.
Her Career
After high school, Delores Russ was employed by the Johns Hopkins Hospital as a Nursing Aide, and later as a domestic worker. In May 1965, she was employed by both the Baltimore City Department of Social Services and the State of Maryland Department of Human Resources. She retired in 1996 from the State of Maryland after 30 years of distinguished service.
Her Christian Experience
Delores’ parents reared her in the way of holiness. At age nine(9), she was baptized and received the Holy Ghost at the First Apostolic Faith Church located on Eden and Monument Streets under the late Bishop J.M. Turpin. After the death of Bishop Turpin, she remained there under the leadership of his successor, the late Bishop Winfield Showell. This was the church of her spiritual formation, and she was proud to serve for 20 years as one of the lead soloists with “The Echoneers” – the young people’s choir that ministered weekly on the church’s Sunday morning and evening radio broadcast. After a period she describes as her “Prodigal Son Experience”, Sister Delores returned to her home church for a few years before joining the First United Church of Jesus Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Monroe R Saunders, Sr. His preaching and teaching (especially on “son-ship”) was life-changing, allowing her to realize her own self-worth and learn how to love herself. Moreover, she experienced constant growth – moving from crying and crawling to standing on weak legs (often wobbly), and finally to full strength in her spiritual walk. After 16 years under the tutelage of Bishop Saunders, Evangelist Russ was released to support Pastor Dennis Golphin at Believers Haven Fellowship (later renamed, “Choice Manna Family Worship Center”) where she served on the Board of Elders and was later ordained as a pastor over several joint committees as well as the Pastor’s Advisory Council. She remained faithful until the church dissolved in 1995; and she then cast her lot with Haven of Rest, Sanctuary of Praise (HORSOP) under the leadership of Pastor Dena Jobes. She counted it such a privilege and an honor to serve under this mighty woman of God. On February 13, 2000, Pastor Jobes ordained her an elder and invited her former beloved pastor (Bishop Saunders) to help officiate. Despite many illnesses, Elder Russ faithfully served her pastor and the church as part of the Board of Elders, chairperson of the “Seasoned Citizens of Fellowship”, overseer of the Usher Board & Greeters Committee, and any other task assigned to her. In October 2010, God had other plans for his servant, which she could not understand. As she lay so very sick in Good Samaritan Hospital, The Lord said, “I had to make you uncomfortable where you were (HORSOP), in order to place you where I want and need you for this day; My Glory shall be revealed!” Therefore, Elder Russ yielded to the Holy Spirit and became a member of New Harvest Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Marcus Johnson Sr. – a young, profound, anointed teacher and preacher of God’s Word, who is so gentle with God’s sheep, yet firm and highly respected. She expressed her pleasure in seeing a great example of Jesus’ relationship with His Bride when she beheld the love and caring relationship of Bishop Marcus and Lady Ronae Johnson.
Her Ministry
Elder Russ was the founder and CEO of “The Christian Women and Men in Ministry Fellowship, Inc.” – an interdenominational Christian Ministry that impacted countless lives from 1987 – 2001. This ministry was the heartbeat and legacy of Elder Russ who, along with ministry members, witnessed over 100 souls delivered, baptized in JESUS name, and filled with the Holy Ghost during her annual retreats at Camp Agape (Pennsylvania). She also led many additional retreats and ministry gatherings throughout the year in Maryland. She served well in her calling as a midwife; and her passion for the deliverance ministry was evident to all. As the author of “Healing The Hurt” (Published in 2005 by Author House), she found another medium through which to minister to women in crisis. She desired them to experience and find the forgiveness, mercy, love, compassion, freedom, and rest in God that she herself had found. Because of her own past struggles, difficulties and the hard-pressed season in her life, she always wanted the “captives”(as she called them) to be set free. She was fondly called, “Mother Russ” or “Mama Russ”. Her home was opened with much love for the traveling evangelist and those who may have fallen on hard times – it was a place of good food, powerful prayer, the Word and deliverance. She was a sought-out speaker for women’s retreats, prayer breakfasts, conferences and other services.
Her Missionary Journeys
From 1999 to 2006, Elder Russ took her missionary journeys to the continent of Africa. By 2001, she was led of the Lord to make the foreign mission field her primary focus. She ministered in a refugee camp and visited several countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Ginger, Mali, Kampala, and Nairobi.
Her Ministry Partners
Of the many people who supported Elder Russ’ ministry, she always spoke highly of her unwavering supporters, including: Apostle Dena & Elder Albert Jobes, Pastor Delois Crosse, the late Apostle Mary Mazyck-Wheeler, the late Minister Saundra Manning, the late Sister Mary Freeman – whose generous contribution provided much-needed aid to care for her family, and Minister Linda Mitchell – who opened her beautiful home for Elder Russ’ relaxation. A special acknowledgment is given to her dear friend, travel partner, and co-laborer in Christ, Minister Jane Agnew – an untiring, willing servant, always looking out for Elder Russ. Minister Agnew became “Auntie” to Shirley and Peggy and often went to her home to assist in any way she could. Elder Russ is preceded in death by one daughter, Peggy T. Carter; and one cousin, Charles Brewer. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Shirley R. Lee; one grandson, Kendrick L. Lee; six cousins: Mildred Drummond, Lee Brewer (Elizabeth), Joyce A. Brewer, William Brewer (Rebecca), Kevin Brewer (Cassandra), Ella Simmons; eight adopted sons and daughters: Sister Claudette Graves, Rev. Gerald and Denise Robinson, Minister Toiya & Marlow Warthen, Sister Linda Carter, Overseer Rose Jarvis, Bishop Daniel & Co-Pastor Elena Robertson; and many other relatives, friends, and co-laborers in Christ.
