Dulcy Lee Russell

Dulcy L. Russell

84, of Indianapolis, passed away on October 17, 2020. She was born on June 15, 1936 in Monroe County, Kentucky as the daughter of Fowler “Jeff” and Mary Gearlds.

Dulcy realized at a young age that minorities were not treated right and decided she would try to change her world. She made it her goal to treat everyone with the respect they deserved. Raised her family to do the same. Strived to change the hearts of friends, family and strangers. Lived her life in activism and advocation for anyone who was disenfranchised.

On her job, and in life, she gave her time, energy, heart and soul to anyone who needed it and anyone who shared her passion, including candidates for political office and those elected to public service. She kept those public servants on their toes and became close friends with officials who could influence policies that would help people from local to federal government. She loved all people. She always put everyone’s needs before her own.

She was awarded and celebrated as Democrat of the year in Indianapolis. She was elected as Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1984 and attended the convention in San Francisco. She marched for social justice, knocked on doors, and registered voters, and much more. For many years, she served as Democratic Precinct Committeeperson in Warren Township. She served her community, God, and her church in anyway possible and encouraged others to do the same. Dulcy encouraged and sometimes pushed many to run for public office and then helped to get them elected.

She was a member of the South Keystone Church of Christ, OPEIU Local #1 union, UAW Local 1111 union, and Warren Township Democrat Club.

When her children were young she was the neighborhood mom. Her and her husband, Raymond, were “Ma and Paw”. They all came to their house, sometimes crawling through her son’s window in the middle of the night. She expected respect from them and expected them to respect their own parents, as well. She listened to their problems and counseled many of them. They’re all grown now, but still call her “Ma”.

Everyone who met her, loved her. She was strong, fierce, gentle and kind. Her children had to share her with the world. Almost everyone they met would tell them “I love your mom!”, saying it with much enthusiasm. They loved her, too, and felt proud that she was their mom.

Words used to describe Dulcy: OEPIU Local #1 union, UAW Local 1111 union, and Warren Township Democrat Club.

Loved, loved, and loved. Hard working. Genuine. Best friend. Special neighbor. One of the best. Patriot. Hero. Beautiful, inside and out. Impeccable work ethic. Honest. Fair. Sweetest. Kindest. Sunshine and light. Teacher. Generous. Helpful. Inspiring. Nurturing. Humble. Influential. Modest. Need more Dulcies. Fighter for social justice. Champion of working people, women, and the poor. Best mom ever. Best grandma in the world.

She never thought she was special. She could never accept the compliments, but strived to live up those things others said and thought of her. She tried to become an even better person, as if that were possible.

Dulcy is survived by her husband, Raymond C. Russell; children: Diana Davis, Dwayne (Brenda) Russell; cousin “brother”, Jackie Gearlds; 5 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Darrel Gearlds; aunt and uncle (who were like a second set of parents) Joe and Ranese Gearlds; grandson, Christopher Russell; and son-in-law, Thomas Davis.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, from 4-8pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at 11am. There will be an additional hour of visitation on Thursday before the services from 10-11am.

The funeral service will be lived streamed for anyone that cannot attend or anyone who wishes to stay home due to COVID. The service can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/C3lmmJB0rMk

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to NTM – Nontuberculous Mycobacteria –  https://ntm.charityproud.org/Donate.