Rede "Reida" Mae Russell Casey

Obituary

Our beautiful and loving mother, Rede (Reida) Mae Russell, was born on Monday, October 6, 1947, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Doc and Idelle Russell of Bossier City, Louisiana. On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 8:05 p.m., surrounded by God’s unfailing love and the presence of her family, she peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at her home in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 78.

Mother Rede accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church. She later united with Red River Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend John R. Brown. Under the leadership of her former pastor, Pastor Donald W. Rushing, she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Deaconess, and choir member. She had a heart for hospitality and enjoyed welcoming family and friends, teaching God’s Word, and lifting her voice in song. She especially treasured singing alongside her two sisters at churches, revivals, and musical programs throughout the community.

Mother Rede was educated in the Bossier Parish School System, where she attended Butler Elementary School and Charlotte Mitchell High School. During her school years, she developed a deep love for basketball and a passion for serving her school and community.

For many years, Mother Rede was employed in the hotel industry at the Sheraton Hotel in Bossier City. She later transitioned into the field of child care development at Kinder Loving Care Daycare, where she devoted herself to providing nourishment, safety, care, and guidance to toddlers. Caring for children was one of her greatest passions, and she took great pride in providing each child entrusted to her care with love and attention.

Mother Rede lived a full and meaningful life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others. She poured her heart into raising her family and worked tirelessly to provide for those she loved. Her strength, kindness, nurturing spirit, and selflessness left a lasting impression upon all who were blessed to know her. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed reading and studying God’s Word, planting and tending to her flowers, and spending precious time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

In 2014, Mother Rede relocated to Alexandria, Louisiana. She later united with Calvary Tabernacle under the leadership of her son, Pastor John Russell, and was baptized in Jesus’ Name. Mother Russell became a dedicated member of the 60 Plus Ministry, where she remained a faithful participant until her passing.

Mother Rede was the baby of her family and the last surviving sibling. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earnest Casey; her parents, Doc and Idelle Russell; seven brothers and three sisters; her son, Roosevelt Russell; and her grandson, Anthony Pierre Russell, Sr.

Mother Rede leaves to cherish her precious memory her four children: two daughters, Corrine Marie Russell and Connie Marie Bell (Johnny); and two sons, Pastor John L. Russell (Rolanda) and Reko Dewayne Russell, all of Alexandria, Louisiana. She also leaves a beautiful legacy of eight grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; and two dear friends, Margaret Scott and Shirley Jones.
Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, strength, and devotion. Though her earthly journey has ended, the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the legacy she built will continue to live in the hearts and lives of generations to come.

Mother Rede’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Sanctuary of The Pentecostals of Alexandria, 2817 Rapides Avenue, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301. A Public Viewing and Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

Immediately following the service, she will be laid to rest in Garden of Memories Cemetery, 2733 Eddie Williams Avenue, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302. Her son, Pastor John Russell, will officiate the celebration of life.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.