Garnetta “Cookie” Russell was born May 10,1948 in Cleveland, OH to Zodie Oscar Johnson and Melba Elizabeth Glaspie. She was the third oldest of four.

Garnetta attended various Cleveland Public Schools including Rosedale Elementary. She graduated from East High where she loved to read, work and go to church. Garnetta joined Warren United Methodist Church where she was baptized.

Garnetta married Myrick Russell on November 21,1969 in Cleveland, Ohio. In this marriage she gave birth to two sons Ronald and Jerome Russell.

In 1971, Garnetta began work at Industrial Publishing Company which later became Penton Media as Production Manager of New Equipment Digest Magazine. To further her career she applied and was accepted as a Special Trainer in the field of reproduction using digital cameras. She maintained a strong work ethic and remained a Production Manager until she retired.

She held various positions such as UMW president, Community Outreach Ministers, and Finance at the Former Windermere-Living Hope UMC in East Cleveland, OH. She loved cooking and baking for her family and church members.

Garnetta was preceded in death by her parents and 2 of her sibling brothers Ronnie and William Johnson.

She passed peacefully on April 27, 2024 and was reunited with the Lord and her loved ones.

Garnetta leaves behind her loving husband Myrick Russell, children Ronald Russell and Jerome Russell(Shawn). sister Druella Morgan; sister-in-love Eva Johnson; grandchildren Montaez Bryant(Satia), Roshanda Russell, Kareem Russell, ; great-grandchildren Jaelyn Boyd, Taevon Bryant, A’mere Bryant and W. Elliott Waiters III and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.