Delores - Russell

Delores Russell was born on December 17, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the cherished daughter of Leon and Anna Gainey, a hardworking and loving couple who instilled strong family values in their children. Delores grew up as the younger sibling to her beloved big brother, Otis "Mickey" Gainey.  Her parents worked tirelessly to provide a stable and nurturing home, teaching their children the importance of resilience, compassion, and determination; qualities that would shape Delores into the remarkable woman she would become.

Delores graduated from high school in 1955 and attended business school, where she honed her skills in administration and office management. In 1959, she married Robert Dabney, and together they welcomed a daughter, marking the beginning of her journey as a mother. However, their marriage faced challenges, and the union eventually ended. After several years, Delores married (and later divorced) Lawrence Russell, with whom she built a new chapter of her life.  One memorable family trip to California left a lasting impression on her. She was captivated by the state’s beautiful weather, iconic palm trees, and the lifestyle it offered. Inspired by this experience, Delores and her family made the bold decision to relocate to California in 1972, embracing the opportunities and adventures the Golden State had to offer.

Delores dedicated many years to her career, spending a significant portion of her working life at the corporate office of Reynolds Aluminum in Los Angeles. However, the relentless traffic and daily commute eventually led her to seek a change. She accepted a position with the Torrance Unified School District, where she found a more manageable pace. Unfortunately, health challenges compelled her to take an early retirement in 1992, ending a long and commendable professional journey.

Delores was deeply passionate about drawing, a gift she nurtured with unwavering dedication. She could often be found with a pencil in hand, channeling her creativity. Drawing wasn’t just a hobby for Delores, it was a form of expression that brought her joy and peace.  Alongside her artistic pursuits, Delores found solace and inspiration in her faith. She was a born again Christian and accepted Christ as her savior. She spent hours engrossed in Christian programs and reading her Bible, drawing strength and guidance. Her devotion to her faith was as evident as her compassion and humor; traits that endeared her to everyone who knew her.

Delores was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and the heart of her family. She shared an unbreakable bond with her only child, Adrienne Williams, and warmly embraced her son-in-law, Keith Williams as her own. Her greatest joys in life were her grandchildren; Ashley Elliston, Amber Finn, and Brandon Williams; whom she cherished deeply, often recounting their accomplishments and milestones with immense pride. Her legacy continues to shine through her four great-grandchildren (Zhuri, Zayden, Braydon and Kaia). Though she was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her only brother, Delores carried their love and values forward, instilling them in the family she held so dear. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love.