Bonita "Nita" Jeannette Russ, 69, of Fayetteville, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Nita was born July 9, 1956, in Duplin County to the late Wilbur and Alice Bostic.

Nita loved the Lord and faithfully attended Gourd Springs Baptist Church. She had a passion for teaching and enjoyed helping shape young minds by sharing her faith with children at church.

She found great joy in tending to her garden and watching her flowers grow. Nita was also very creative and enjoyed making Christmas tree ornaments each year for her family, a tradition they cherished. She had a special love for animals, especially cats, often opening her home to strays and giving them a safe and loving place to live.

Nita also enjoyed sports and especially liked attending Marksmen hockey games with her family. Above all, she cherished time with her loved ones and will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

In addition to her parents, Nita was preceded in death by her brother, Owen.

She is survived by her loving husband, Cleo Russ; daughters, Stephanie (Tonya) and Angela (John); grandchildren, Travis (Hannah), Shyla (Chandler), and Dustin; great-grandchildren, Avery, Sayaun, and Waylon; sister, Terri (Connie); brothers, Greg (Karen) and Jeff (Renee); aunt, Jane (Tommy); grand-dog, Jake; and her beloved cats.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Gourd Springs Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.jerniganwarren.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.