Naomi Elizabeth Russell was born on March 1, 1939 in Cleveland Ohio to the late Andrew Peterson and Ruth Penland. Of her six siblings, Naomi was the oldest daughter. She received her primary education from Cleveland Public Schools.

From a young age Naomi had a love for cooking and sewing throughout her life. She warmed many hearts sharing those talents. Her homemade yeast rolls, gumbo and poundcakes (to name a few) were renowned. She earned a certificate in sewing from The Clarke School of Dressmaking, Tailoring and Fashion Design in 1964. She also attended Cosmetology school.

In 1959 Naomi married Robert Russell Sr., and as a couple they loved to dance. They shared five children: Robyn Russell, Robert Russell Jr., Rubert Russell, Reuben Russell and Rhonda Russell.

In 2004 she retired from a 19 year career as a seamstress at Aramark Uniform Services. In 2014, she relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina where she lived until her passing on December 8, 2025.

Naomi was preceded in death by her sisters Barbra Yarbrough and Annette Lowe, and sons Robert Russell Jr. and Rubert Russell.

Naomi leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children Robyn Harper (Marvin); Reuben Russell and Rhonda Russell-Smith (Dale); her siblings Howard Penland (Robin), Sophia Brown (Curtis – deceased) and an adopted brother Howard Williams (Joyce); two grandchildren Reynaldo Stargell (Sarah) and Jasmine Russell; two great-grandchildren Evan and Andrew Stargell; and an abundance of nephews and nieces.