Elijah “Eli” Russell, 61
October 17, 1964 – August 9, 2026
Elijah “Eli” Russell, 61, of New Albany, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Diversicare in Ripley, Mississippi.
Elijah, affectionately known as “Eli,” was born on October 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elijah Russell, Sr. and Willie Pearl Barker Russell. He graduated from East High School in Aurora, Illinois, and worked as a mechanic until his health began to decline.
Eli was one of a kind—a man with a big personality, a quick wit, and a heart that loved deeply. If you knew Eli, you knew he was going to make you laugh. He was always cracking jokes, finding a way to bring a smile to someone’s face, and enjoying a good laugh himself. His favorite comedian was Richard Pryor, and he loved watching stand-up comedy. Eli had a natural gift for making people feel comfortable and bringing joy into the room.
He enjoyed the things that brought him happiness, including fishing, playing video games, dancing, and DJ’ing. Music and laughter were a big part of who he was. But above all, Eli loved his family. He was close to those he loved and treasured the time he spent with them. His family will remember not only the things he did, but the laughter, stories, jokes, and special moments that made him who he was.
Eli leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Kelilah Russell and Zeporia Russell, both of Saltillo, Mississippi, and Elisha Mason of Jackson, Mississippi; his brothers, Reggie Miller (Patrenia) of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Kenny Russell of Atlanta, Georgia; his grandsons, Maliki Russell, MarShawn Carr, Markeese Mason, Markel Mason and granddaughter Marvelous Mason; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Russell, Sr. and Willie Pearl Barker Russell.
Eli leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by everyone who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his infectious sense of humor, his love of music and dancing, his passion for the things he enjoyed, and most importantly, the love he had for his family.
There will be moments when his family hears a joke, hears a song, sees someone dancing, or simply remembers one of his many stories, and Eli will feel close again. His laughter may be missed, but the memories he created and the love he shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Church 3:16 in Tupelo, Mississippi, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Associated Family Funeral Home of Tupelo is in charge of arrangements. Associated Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Russell family during their time of loss.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Friday
August 14, 2026
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Church 3:16 (Tupelo, Mississippi)
Tupelo, Mississippi
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Funeral Service
Friday
August 14, 2026
1:00 PM
Church 3:16 (Tupelo, Mississippi)
Tupelo, Mississippi
