The loving union of Cornelius and Rosa Lee [Jackson] Byrd, Sr. produced a beautiful, baby girl on July 17, 1944 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. This smiling, happy daughter was named Jamesetta. She was one of four children in this family and was preceded into Glory by all three siblings; Herbert Byrd, Sr., Cornelius Byrd, Jr., and Mary Louise Wagner. She was also preceded by a special Aunt, Lillie Mae Bell.

Jamesetta accepted Christ into her life at an impressionable age at Collins Chapel and her Christian walk continued at Beebee Memorial CME Church, Evangelist Temple Baptist Church and Divine Love Christian Fellowship in Muskogee. She loved the Lord and was a member of Canaan Baptist Church, but loved to worship and fellowship wherever the Lord led her.

Jamesetta attended Douglas Elementary, Sadler Jr. High School and ultimately Historic Manual Training High School. She was very out-spoken and didn't guard your feelings if you were wrong or crossed the line. It didn't matter if you were family or not - "wrong was wrong" and she would let you know. She shared in love. Her favorite hobbies included cooking, horse riding, softball and bowling, where she was affectionately called "JJ". She loved to travel and made sure that her children had great summer vacations.

Mrs. Russell provided for her family through her employment at A.T. & T., where she labored as an Operator before her retirement.
Her presence will be missed and her memory cherished by her loved ones and friends who knew her.

On Sunday, September 13, 2015, Jamesetta Russell, in her 71st season of life, transitioned from " Labor to Refreshment. " She was also preceded in death by her children, Marjorie Byrd, Latricia Roberts and Roderick Roberts.

Those remaining to lament her passing; three children, Desi Roberts, Charles Robers and Ellishea Ballard, all of Muskogee; her son-in-law, Reuben Ballard; her grandchildren, Blake Titsworth and Candace Roberts and their father, Bobby Titsworth, Jr., Donte, Chapelle, Romero, Tatyanna and Bethany and their mother, Stephanie, Jasmine and Nicholas Roberts and their mother, Claudia Basham, Natasha Roberts, Maddison and McKenzie Clark; three special nieces, Patricia Jones, Lovie Byrd and Geraldine Lee; three special cousins that were like nieces, Jamie Tabb, Tracie Large and Sherri Large; along with a host of other loved ones who affectionately called her "Granny."

The Celebratory Tribute will commence on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. in the most Holy sanctuary of the Divine Love Christian Fellowship. Pastor Michael Webber will Preside and her Pastor, Reverend Wallace Brown, Pastor of Canaan Baptist Church, will deliver the Eulogy.

Burial will follow in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Ms. Russell, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home in Muskogee on Friday from 12 Noon until 7:00 PM.