Virginia Russell was born on November 8, 1928 in Leonard, Mississippi, as an only child to Preston and Alberta Russell. Preston and Alberta adopted and raised a son, James Russell as well. Virginia and her aunt Martha (Taylor) Williams moved to Lansing in 1952. Both were employed in multiple jobs, and later employed at Fisher Body for more than 30 years. Virginia retired from Fisher Body in 1978.

Virginia and Martha were major partners in the family business, T&M Snack Shop located in the heart of Lansing's thriving black community in the 1960's and 70's. The family business was prominent and thriving prior to the development of the I-496 freeway.

Later, Virginia and Martha led the westside senior community in many senior craft projects at the Kingsley Community Center, now called the Letts Community Center. Virginia was widowed twice and was preceded in death by: both parents; her brother, James; late husband, Jesse Donald; and favorite aunt, Martha.

Arrangements for Ms. Russell are as follows: