Virgle Russell

Virgle Russell, formerly of Metuchen, NJ passed away on Monday, February 15, 2021 at her son and daughter-in-law’s residence in Norfolk, Virginia.
On November 19, 1919, Virgle Marie Williams was born in Shelton, South Carolina to Charlie and Ada Williams. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Purity Baptist Church in Blair, SC. Virgle graduated from Finley High School, in Chester, South Carolina. In 1943, she earned a degree in education from Friendship Junior College in Rock Hill, SC.
In 1945, Virgle moved to New Jersey in search of better opportunities. She joined Abyssinia Baptist Church where she was an active member until she relocated to Virginia. On February 2, 1947, she marched with other parishioners of Abyssinia Baptist Church to the current location on West Kinney Street. Virgle was a member of the Mission and the Usher Board.
On April 17, 1948, Virgle married the late Edward Wilbur Russell. To this union, three children were born, Edward Vernon, Blake Adair, and Troy Fitzgerald. The family relocated to East Orange, New Jersey in 1963 and then to Metuchen in 1983. While in East Orange, Virgle was a homemaker, landlord of multiple rental properties with husband Edward, PTA member, owner of baby-sitting services and participated in various other civic activities in the city.
In her later years, Virgle worked at Bradlees in Woodbridge as an Inspector. She had many hobbies including swimming and crossword puzzles.
She is predeceased by her husband Edward and sons Edward and Blake.
Virgle is survived by her son, Troy and his wife Alyssa. Sister, Mary Everett of Newark, NJ.; brother Theodore Williams (Ezelle), of Bear, DE. Grandchildren, Aryanna Byers, Portia Russell, Nolan Russell, and Samuel Russell. Great Grandchildren: Zaria Anthony and Carter Anthony and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends. Virgle also enjoyed a longtime friendship with Deaconess Dorothy Clark, Mary Cobb, Frances Wardell and Mary Russell.
Services will be held on the 25th, February 2021, starting at 11:00 at the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840, followed by the interment at Hillside Cemetery in Metuchen.
In memory of Virgle Russell, donations can be made to the Clara Will Gray Scholarship Fund of the Abyssinia Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. Please email [email protected]