Annie House Russell loved to learn. Coupled by her insatiable thirst for knowledge was a passion for teaching others. Russell paid her gifts forward with a nearly 40-year career in the classroom as an elementary and middle school math teacher and an education administrator.
Recognized as a St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education honoree, Annie passed away on November 25, 2024. She was 81.
Annie Willetta House was born on December 17, 1942, at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Affectionately known as “Bootsie,” she was the beloved daughter of Ural Hawthorne House and Jessie Colena Posey – and the oldest of their four children.
She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, at 1334 Sarah Street, above Jesse’s Tavern. Baptized at Prince of Peace Baptist Church, she embraced her faith in Christ at an early age. Annie was a woman of unwavering faith, nurtured by both her mother, Jessie, and her father, Ural. They instilled in her the values of kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to living by the Golden Rule.
She attended Riddick Elementary on Whittier and Evans before graduating from Sumner High School in 1960. Her academic journey continued at Harris-Stowe State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She furthered her education at Concordia College and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, earning a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration. In 1968, Annie married the love of her life, Michael Delmar Russell. Together they had two children, Michael Lawrence Russell and Kemba Tene Russell. He preceded her in death after 34 years of marriage.
Her career in education was a testament to her passion for shaping young minds. She served the Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) from June 1964 to June 2002, where she taught mathematics and science to students in grades 2-8. Later, she worked in central office administration, managing state and federal programs as well as human resources.
Annie was a beloved member of St. Peter’s AME Church, where she played an active role in fellowship and service. Her faith shone through in everything she did, like the brightest star. She loved connecting with people from all walks of life. She offered counsel, mentorship, and hospitality with grace and humility. Annie believed in the power of unity and was a constant advocate for kindness, inclusivity, and understanding.
She was an active and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and served as a mentor to many. A mother to all, her home was a sanctuary for those in need, and she led with wisdom, love, and a generous spirit. Annie was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society, where she was known as “Empress Annie.”
In addition to her work and community involvement, Annie was a world traveler who enjoyed life to the fullest. Annie’s zest for life was infectious, and her motto was “Travel as far as you can, as long as you can, and eat dessert first!”
Annie’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Kemba Russell, son-in-law Zach Mitchell, sister, Marsha Cann, and her husband, Clement Cann; her brother, Ural Hawthorne Jr.; and her nieces, Wendy and Angela House. Her grandchildren, Dannon and Lauren, grand-niece, Logan Jackson, Lauren Lige’, and grand-nephew, Remi House, along with her godchildren Joelle Weaver, Feven Askale, and Rodney Brand, and her dear friend Billy Dunn will carry forward her memory and the lessons she imparted.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Annie was preceded in death by her son Michael Lawrence Russell and her brother Alfred Ray House.
Celebration of life
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 29th at 1:00 PM at St. Peter’s AME Church, 4730 Margaretta Avenue. All are then invited for food, music, and fellowship, 5 – 8 pm at Turn and .Zack Theater, 3224 Locust Street, St. Louis MO. Guests are asked to wear red in her honor—red lipstick, red ties, or red accents with purple—because that’s how she would have wanted it.
RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/y8ZMHiTnfGWGCrDj8
In lieu of flowers
The family kindly requests donations to Annie’s 10-year-old grand-nephew Aderemi Sunshine Kayode’s education fund, in honor of her love for education and her dedication to seeing future generations excel in learning. This will be the building block for Remi and his education. Make Checks Payable To: “College America for the benefit of Aderemi Sunshine Kayode” Mail to: Joe Diefenbach, US Bank, 1798 Clarkson Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017