Ansell Otis Russell

ANSELL OTIS RUSSELL -- Civil Rights Activist promoting self-improvement and self-determination within the Afro-American Community, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 in North Little Rock at the age of 69. Mr. Russell was a genius mind graduating from Wonder High School, West Memphis, Ark. as Valedictorian in 1961 and Philander Smith College in 1965 with a B.A. degree, summa cum laude, in Sociology. He attended Hartford Insurance School, Hartford, Conn. and became an Insurance Agent and Social Worker in Chicago in the 70's. His heart was in Civil Rights and humanitarian improvement, writing of and promoting African Culture and History for over 30 years thru monthly newsletters. He authored, compiled and disseminated Afro booklets throughout Connecticut, New York, Arkansas and Ohio. As a Professional Astrologer for over 30 years, Mr. Russell's business included consultations; creation and manufacture of giant sun-sign posters over the U.S. and Jamaica. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Ansell R. Russell. He leaves his beloved mother, Mrs. Mildred Montaque of Fayetteville, Ark.; two brothers, Thaddeus Montaque of Greensboro, N.C., Freeman Montaque Jr. of Acworth, Ga.; two sisters, T. Faye Higgins of North Little Rock, Porter Montaque of Fayetteville, Ark.; 14 nieces and nephews; first-cousin, Mrs. Essie Threet of Pine Bluff, Ark.; and over 100 Russell cousins in Ohio and U.S. of whom Mr. Russell was Chief-of-Tribe. Family hour: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 5-7 p.m. at Watson Northcrest Funeral Home, 1801 N. Maple, North Little Rock. 501-812-5303.