Hattie Louvenia Russell

Former Riverhead resident Hattie Louvenia Russell died April 15, 2014. She was 81. 

Ms. Russell was born in Burlington, N.C., June 4, 1932, and attended Burlington public schools. She married Claude T. Russell, Sept. 20, 1949, and after relocating from North Carolina to Westchester, N.Y., the Russells moved to Long Island.

Faith and worship were very important to Ms. Russell. She attended various ministries, including First Apostle Church of God in Christ in Riverhead, where she received the ministerial license under the leadership of Bishop James Addison.

Family members said Ms. Russell was the “backbone for her family” and a “mother of the community.” She loved spending time with family and friends, crocheting, collecting figurines and knick-knacks, shopping and cooking. According to family, her house was a place to “get a meal, a place to stay, a word of correction (if needed), a smile and a hug.”

Ms. Russell was predeceased by her husband, Claude T; four children and three siblings. She is survived by 11 children; one brother; 47 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and other family and friends.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at Galilee Church of God in Christ in Riverhead, with a funeral service taking place at noon. Funeral arrangements were handled by Robertaccio Funeral Home in Patchogue. Interment will take place at Riverhead Cemetery.