Tina Lushell Russell, was born on January 21, 1970 to Eva Mae (Russell) Edwards in Laporte, Indiana.  Tina had an enjoyable upbringing that included the most awesome birthday and holiday celebrations with many family and friends.  Tina accepted our Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a member of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ located in Kingsford Heights, Indiana; where she served and was a member of the Sunshine Band. 

Tina attended LaPorte High School and received her General Education Diploma in 1988.  Tina  was a graduate of Jackson State University with her degree in Culinary Arts, she also obtained training at Michigan City Beauty College to become a licensed nail technician. In her forties, Tina continued her journey of education and obtained her Associate's Degree for medical billing and coding as well as completing her courses to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Brown Mackie Technical College. Tina’s greatest achievement was the birth of her only child, her son, Java Russell. Tina and Java had an amazing relationship as he was and will remain her pride and joy.

Tina is preceded in death by her mother Eva Mae(Russell) Edwards and her (step) father Jesse Edwards. Tina leaves behind her beloved son Java Russell of Kingsford Heights,Indiana , sister Chiffon Edwards of Kingsford Heights, Indiana, sister Shantelle Fisher-Smith of Cudahy, Wisconsin, as well as a host of cousins, family and friends.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at 3:30 p.m. 

All attending are required to wear a mask.

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.