Marianne Taylor Russell of Poquoson, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the age of 93.    She was born in Newport News, Virginia, on June 10, 1930.  Marianne was also known as "Big Mama" to her family and grandchildren's friends.

Marianne was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas W.  Russell, of 40 years, by her son Thomas W. Russell, Jr and her brother, Faye Taylor of Texas.

Marianne is survived by her son Barry Russell (Monika) and four grandchildren, Anna Blackmon (Charles), Kathryn Villagomez (Isaac), Grant Russell, and Virginia Russell and four great-grandchildren, Beaux Blackmon, Cora Blackmon, Thomas Villagomez, and Ivy Villagomez.   She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

As a child she always attended church and later became a member of Emmaus Baptist Church, Poquoson, Virginia.   She did whatever she was asked to do (Sunday school, collections, etc.) She retired from NASA in 1986 as a budget analyst.  She owned a clothing store named Holiday Fashions during her career at NASA and after retirement.

Marianne enjoyed things such as traveling, riding her riding lawn mower, planting flowers, spending time talking on the phone with her loved ones, cooking holiday dinners such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners.

Marianne was a dedicated member of her community working the voting polls, volunteering in the school system, tutoring English as a second language and volunteering at the Hampton Air & Space Museum. She loved playing bridge with her friends and working crossword puzzles at home.   She never learned to swim and was so afraid of water.   Her favorite dessert was anything chocolate.

She was an amazing woman and will be in our hearts forever.

The family gives thanks to Nurturing Hearts & Care for their assistance in caring for her with dignity, respect and love.  A special thanks to Euricka White, Sandra Jenkins and Louis Underdue for their constant care and love.

There will be a graveside service at the Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery in Newport News, Virginia on March 16, 2024, at 3 PM.  Arrangements by W.J.  Smith & Son Funeral Home in Newport News, Virginia.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to www.heart.org (Heart Association) or www.brightfocus.org (Macular Degeneration).