Beverly J. Russell

Beverly J. Russell, born on October 17, 1945, in Detroit, MI, passed away on April 17, 2023, at the age of 77. Beverly was the daughter of George and Charlotte Russell and grew up in Lincoln Park, MI. As a young child, she was a child model for Spiegel Catalog, but unfortunately, at the age of 5, she contracted Measles, Mumps, and Chicken Pox, all at the same time, which caused severe brain damage. Despite facing several challenges in her early years, Beverly was a fighter and never let her physical limitations hold her back. Her parents were advised to institutionalize her by the doctors, but they chose to raise her themselves. Beverly lived a somewhat normal life growing up and went through school under the special education system. She graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 1965 with her brother Donald. After graduation, she worked at a special workshop in Wyandotte, MI for several years before moving to Arizona with her parents in 1973. Beverly lived in Arizona until 2000, working at a special workshop in Mesa, AZ for approximately 25 years. When her mother became ill and unable to care for her, Beverly moved back to Michigan and resided at St. Mary's Resident home for women in Detroit, run by the sisters of Divine Mercy. She lived there for 11 years until her health worsened, and she needed a higher degree of assistance. In 2012, Beverly moved into the Star Manor of Northville, MI, where she lived until her passing. Beverly was an extremely loving person, and she had a lot of friends from the Star Manor, both patients and staff. Beverly loved to watch TV, especially police shows. She always stayed up late, and her friends and the staff at Star Manor would join her in her room to watch TV with her. Beverly’s brother Donald and her sister-in-law Cheryl visited or called her every day, and became extremely close with her. A staff member at Star Manor, Kathy became very good friends with Beverly, Donald, and Cheryl, and was Beverly’s guardian angel while she was living there. Beverly is survived by her two brothers, Donald and Dennis, her sisters-in-law Cheryl and Beth, her niece Michelle and great-niece Hallie, and her two nephews Patrick and David. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Beverly's strength and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to us all.

Beverly J. Russell

October 17, 1945 - April 17, 2023