Leslie Renee Russell's Obituary
Leslie Renee Russell transitioned from this life peacefully, with a smile on her face, at her mother’s home, on October 18, 2023, at the age of 39.
Leslie was born in St. Louis, MO, on September 16th, 1984, as the youngest child of Tony N. Russell and Phyllis D. Russell. She attended and graduated from McClure High School (2002) where she made 3 lifelong friends, Siani, Melanie, and Nikki. She also attended Truman State and graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) with a bachelors degree in psychology in 2008.
During her time at Truman State, she made additional lifelong friends. In 2005, Leslie pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, (Zeta Zeta Chapter, where she was a Charter Member). After she graduated from UMSL, she joined the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Being a member of Delta Sigma Theta allowed her to gain many more sisters and role models. She was everybody’s baby! While a member of St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, her passion was the Ariya Program. She, herself, was a Kwanzisha (2001-2002), and she co-chaired and chaired the Ariya Program for many years.
Upon completing her bachelors degree in psychology, she worked several months at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and was later employed at United Health Care in their Behavioral Science Division where she was employed for over 10 years. During her tenure at UHC, Leslie was a Team Lead for many years and she ultimately attained supervisor status where she was answerable for 23 direct reports and an additional 14 reports, totaling approximately 37 people. She lovingly referred to them as her “Team.” Leslie had great work ethics and dedication and could always be found working. Her work computer and phone was always within reach.
At the age of 17, Leslie was diagnosed with an autoimmune liver disease. She battled this condition for years, with many ups and downs-but always with a smile on her face. In November 2022, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she accepted her new diagnosis with much grace and a determination to conquer it. With each new diagnosis (there were many) she would say, “Just one more thing on my plate.” On October 11, 2023, she discovered the cancer had spread to her liver, and seven days later, she received her wings.
Those left to cherish Leslie’s memory, and celebrate her life include her devoted mother, Phyllis Russell-Smith; her father, Tony N. Russell (Tina); two sisters, Duana Russell-Thomas and Tonia W. Dunlap; two brothers, Terrell Williams (Shameka) and Tony N. Russell II; one loving sister-in-law, Lisa Russell; four nieces, Ciara, Toni, Celena and Tristyn; three nephews, Jayden, Caden and Braedon; two great nephews, Zane and Xi; one goddaughter, Kerrigan; three uncles, two aunts, 3 godmothers, several “other mothers”, many cousins, extended family and devoted friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory her life partner of 15 years, William Jones; his son, Kylan; and their 4-legged child “Lulu”. Two other 4-legged children, Brandy and Sasha, preceded her in death and are now with her in heaven.
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