Iva was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on May 12, 1955 to parents Pastor Virgie Lackey and Alvin Benson. After spending her early childhood in Mississippi, she relocated with family to California. Iva attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Los Angeles, California. Following graduation, she achieved her goal of working in the medical field as a Certified Nursing Attendant for several years. Iva met her soulmate, George Russell, in 1978. She went on to devote the majority of her life as a homemaker and care giver to her five children, Frank, Shenell, Stacey, Stephanie and Terrence. In 1996, Iva and George relocated to Racine, Wisconsin. In Racine, she was reunited with her mother, Pastor Lackey, sister, Deborah, and her brothers, Ricky, Darryl, Roger, and Jeremy. She reentered the workforce in 1996 working for Alpha Homes until she retired in 2023. She took great pride in her work and the impact it had on the community. Iva will be remembered as a woman with a big heart who always rooted for the underdog. She always had an open door for those in need. She was a devoted daughter, loving wife and mother.

Iva is survived by her husband, George Russell, her children, Frank, Shenell (Prince), Stacey and Terrence. Mother Pastor Virgie Lackey, sister Deborah MacLemore, brothers, Darryl Carson, Roger Carson (Dee) and Jeremy Lackey. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and countless cousins. Iva was preceded in death by her father, Alvin Benson, daughter, Stephanie Russell, brother, Ricky Carson and brother-in-law Larry Maclemore.

She will forever be missed but we are glad to know she has found peace. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." -2 Corinthians 5:8.

Her Homegoing Celebration will be held at All Nations Pentecostal Church, 1502 W. 6th St. on Friday, May 16th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

Service Details

Her Homegoing Celebration will be held at All Nations Pentecostal Church, 1502 W. 6 ^th St. on Friday, May 16th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

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