Beverly Russell Vick
55, Hattiesburg
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Columbia for Beverly Russell Vick, 55, of Hattiesburg, who died on Dec. 20, 2020, in Hattiesburg after a four year battle with interstitial lung disease. Dennis Lamb, her nephew, will officiate the ceremony.
She was born to the late Mims and Ruby Russell of Columbia, on Sept. 22, 1965, in Tylertown. She was educated in the Columbia School District and graduated from Columbia High School in 1983.
She was a math whiz. This allowed for many successful ventures in her adult life. Her knowledge of computer programs, and natural problem-solving ability, gave her an advantage in the accounting field. Her career enabled her to live in various states, including California where she worked at Lescure Company as a rock star accountant. Texas was the next stop for her. There she worked for the companies Aspen Square in College Station and Team Housing Solutions in New Braunfels. She was afforded travel opportunities in cities all over the United States and Canada, prior to being diagnosed with her illness. In 2011, she returned to Mississippi to be closer to her granddaughter, Ryan. She soon after began working as a financial controller at St. James Lighting in Columbia. She loved her work family, which was sort of a requirement, as the majority of them were related to her by blood or marriage.
Ma, as she was lovingly referred to, was a people person. She never met a stranger and cared deeply for everyone. She had a vivacious personality that made her the lifeblood of family gatherings. She was straightforward and always had an answer for anyone who needed it, whether they wanted to hear it or not. She also had a way of telling stories, that even if you had heard them multiple times, you still enjoyed every second of the retelling. This led to many laughs at Russell family suppers.
She had a fierce determination and optimistic outlook on life in general. Until a few short years ago, she was running flights of stairs at apartment buildings, setting up furniture for the likes of Cavalia and Cirque du Soleil, and chasing her grandchildren around airports and beaches. She always put her whole heart into everything she did. In a comparably short amount of time, she led a full life. She grasped every opportunity to create memorable moments for and with the Russell brood. The family is forever grateful to have been a part of her tribe.
She had a steadfast love for God and her church family. She was so very proud to take part in Magnolia’s virtual church services every Sunday. She also appreciated visits from Bro. Greg Medenwald, as well as other church members. Belief in God supported her in her struggle and her family celebrates the fact that she is now at peace, walking effortlessly with our Creator.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mims Russell; mother, Ruby Doris Russell; brothers, Ricky Russell and Randy Russell, and one sister, Debra Stamps (Ronnie).
Survivors include her daughter, Ashley Sheffield (Brian);
granddaughter, Ryan; two grandsons, Jack and Cash; eldest sister, Doris Jordan (Talmage); sister, Jan Cavanaugh (James); brother, Mike Russell (Sharon), and a host of other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The UMMC Research Fund to help further research on connective tissue diseases.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for your kind thoughts, prayers, and comforting words in this time of sadness. The Russell tribe is blessed to have support from friends and family like you. The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Rogness of Hattiesburg Clinic Pulmonary Medicine and Dr. Imad Bitar of Hattiesburg Clinic Arthritis Center for taking a chance on a long shot. Your determination gave the family an additional year with Beverly, full of wonderful memories that will be cherished forever.
