Ora Bell Russell was born on November 26, 1929, to (the late) Albert Rutledge and Julia Johnson in Georgetown, South Carolina.  She was educated in the Georgetown public school system.  She lost her mother at the age of nine and was raised by her grandmother Hager Johnson until her death in 1939.  Ora then went on to live with several relatives until she made her way to Brooklyn, New York where she took up residence with her cousins, and worked several factory jobs.  She later gave birth in 1946 to (the late) Nathaniel Johnson and (the late) Kenneth Johnson in 1948. 

She met and married (the late) Charles Tinsley in 1958, and from this union, gave birth to Mary Tinsley in 1960 and Stacey Tinsley in 1961.  Ora continued to work several factory jobs, but ultimately became a stay-at-home mom.  After the death of her husband Charles in 1969, Ora ran a state-regulated day care center from her home. 

In 1973, she met and married Frank Russell who passed away in 1985.  Ora was predeceased by several brothers and sisters, including Bernice Deas and Albert Rutledge, Jr., and a loving grandson Omar Johnson whom she adored.

In 1975, Ora gave her life to the Lord and joined Mount Pisgah Baptist Church along with her daughters.  She was a dedicated member who became an usher and was later appointed Supervisor of the Junior Usher Board.  She also served as a missionary.  Ora continued her mission as an usher and supervisor until she relocated back to Georgetown, South Carolina in 1996.

It was there in Georgetown that she raised her youngest granddaughter, Nikki, with whom she shared a very close bond.  Ora joined First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Georgetown where she again supervised the Junior Ushers.  After a few years in that role, she was called to oversee all of her church’s Usher Boards, implementing the standards she learned during her many years serving in the Usher ministry.  Ever the faithful servant, in addition to her active involvement in her own church, she volunteered weekly at St. Cyprian’s Catholic Church helping to run their thrift store and food pantry.

In 2016, Ora returned to New York to be closer to her family as she continued to age gracefully.  She resided in Long Island with her eldest daughter where she lived comfortably.  In 2018, she joined First Baptist Church of Bay Shore where she continued to attend church virtually when she could no longer attend in-person.

On January 1, 2023, Ora was admitted to a nursing home for rehabilitation due to an injury.  Her health began to decline in the following months.  Ultimately, on Friday, June 16, 2023, the Lord opened His arms and called her home.  Ora was the much-loved matriarch of her family and was affectionately called Mama or Nana by all who came to know and love her.  She enjoyed playing her favorite music including soul, gospel, and R&B, and spending time with her family.  One of her favorite songs was “Turn Back the Hands of Time” by Tyrone Davis.

Ora leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters: Mary Tinsley-Thomas (of Davenport, Florida) and Stacey R. Tinsley (of Brooklyn, New York); a sister Amelia Rutledge (of Baltimore, Maryland); four grandchildren: Naquita “Nikki” Goldston (of Summerville, South Carolina), Christine Goldston (of Newburgh, New York), Tarek Johnson and Khalid Johnson (of Atlanta, Georgia); nieces: Mae Deas (of Florida, New York), Paulette Deas (of Harlem, New York), Felicia Wright and Yolanda Jackson (of Baltimore); nephew Robert Green (of Georgetown, South Carolina); cousins: Velvetta “Lucy” Shackelford-Johnson and Gail Shackford (of Queens, New York), and Bonnie Brown (of Georgetown); a son-in-law George Thomas; an adopted son R.J. Henderson with whom she developed a loving relationship during her time in Long Island; and a host of other relatives, extended church family, and friends.