Life Reflections
Linda Blakney-Russell was born March 2,1948 in Northport, Alabama to Porter Lee Blakney and Joyce Mildred Clemons (Prewitt).
At a very young age she was reared in St. Louis Missouri by her mother and adoptive father Elgin Prewitt, where she attended public schools and eventually graduated from O’Fallon Highschool.
An avid reader who was well versed in a number of topics. She enjoyed singing and playing music. Her most favorite artist was Smokie Bill Robinson. In her teen years she was a part of a local band for which she both sang and danced. Her band had the opportunity to both meet Smokie Robinson and he gave her his autograph.
In her tenure of 42 years, as a worker for the city of St. Louis, she worked under the tutelage of seven mayors (Cervantes through Slay) at City Hall as an executive’s assistant and office manager. Being one of the very few people of color in the Mayor’s office, Linda saw much change in city government, with the advent of the civil rights era. All who worked with her knew of her devotion and strong work ethic with which she performed all tasks and duties. Linda was given the privilege to present Michael Jackson and his brothers the key to the City of St. Louis in 1981.
These character traits carried on to her personal life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother of four children, and grandmother of four girls all of which affectionately called her Mama and GMama respectfully.
She was a very devoted mother to both her first born, Kenneth L. Vaughn, Jr and second born child, J. Courtney Vaughn.
She married W. E. Russell and to their union of 41 years were born: Neferteri Russell and Johari Russell.
She was reared with traditional Christian principles and teaching. Early in life, she joined the UCM church of Jesus Christ and was very faithful to her childhood congregation. Later in her adult life she did not count herself a member of any particular church congregation but shared her beliefs with many and would always listen to others any try to understand their belief structure.
Linda was always a joyous person to be around. She loved laughing and sharing time with the people she loved the most. She was a loyal friend to many and helped many obtain or maintain work through tumultuous times. She enjoyed fashion and loved traveling out west.
Linda Blakney-Russell passed away on July 23, 2022. She leaves behind her: Mother Joyce M. Prewitt; husband Walsingham E. Russell; sons: Kenneth L. Vaughn Jr, J. Courtney Vaughn (Nashela Vaughn), Johari Russell; daughter Neferteri Russell; grandchildren: Imani Vaughn, Jendayah Vaughn, Ayannah Vaughn, and Neeah Vaughn; sisters Deborah Scaife (Kevin Scaife), Felicia Maize (Robert Maize), and Theresa Carey (Alan Carey), and a host of nieces/nephews, cousins, family and friends that will miss her deeply.
Her biggest wish was for everyone with her passing was: to be happy, love one another, and enjoy yourself!!
Visitation at KUTIS CITY CHAPEL 2906 Gravopis Ave. St. Louis, MO 63118 on Saturday August 6, 2022, from 1:00PM until Service at 2:00 PM
Linda was a lovely person and a joy to be around. I count myself blessed to have known her. I will miss her greatly
Linda was a lovely person and a joy to be around. I count myself blessed to have known her. I will miss her greatly
I was very sad to hear of Linda’s passing, but more happy to hear that she is going to home to be with our father and Lord.
I was very sad to hear of Linda’s passing, but more happy to hear that she is going to home to be with our father and Lord.
Linda was a co-worker for many years in the Mayor’s Office and was a joy to work with. My sympathy to her entire family. She will be missed.
Linda was a co-worker for many years in the Mayor’s Office and was a joy to work with. My sympathy to her entire family. She will be missed.
Linda was one of a kind! Funny, fashionable, professional. I was fortunate to work with her in the Bosley administration and relied on her experience and advice every day.
She brought joy & laughter – and these many years later appreciate her dedication to the City and her family.
Linda was one of a kind! Funny, fashionable, professional. I was fortunate to work with her in the Bosley administration and relied on her experience and advice every day.
She brought joy & laughter – and these many years later appreciate her dedication to the City and her family.
Will never forget your spirit or your friendship
Will never forget your spirit or your friendship
My deepest condolences to Linda’s family. May God continue to bless and keep you all in this difficult hour. Linda was a very good friend to me. I met Linda during her tenure at the City of St. Louis. She had a heart of gold and would do any and everything to help a friend. She was a dear friend to me. I’ll truly miss our telephone conversations and her words of wisdom. Linda’s joyous personality and her laughter would fill a room. She would always end our phone calls with the phrase “Keep hope alive” Rest easy dear friend.
My deepest condolences to Linda’s family. May God continue to bless and keep you all in this difficult hour. Linda was a very good friend to me. I met Linda during her tenure at the City of St. Louis. She had a heart of gold and would do any and everything to help a friend. She was a dear friend to me. I’ll truly miss our telephone conversations and her words of wisdom. Linda’s joyous personality and her laughter would fill a room. She would always end our phone calls with the phrase “Keep hope alive” Rest easy dear friend.
Another Angel gone
Home..
Truly appreciate and loved our friendship ❤️. I will Truly miss her.Prayer for the family.
Very strong and caring angel.
Another Angel gone
Home..
Truly appreciate and loved our friendship ❤️. I will Truly miss her.Prayer for the family.
Very strong and caring angel.