Imo Jean Gulley Russey passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at home surround by her family. Imo Jean was born on to Eugene Gulley & Lottie Lawrence -Gulley in Chidester AR. She married Noble Benjamin Russey, and he preceded her in death.  She lived in Rockford for 64 years coming from Arkansas in 1959.

She was employed with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department in Juvenile Detention and work release program and retired in 2005.

She was a member of New Zion MB Church for many years and later she moved her membership to Starlight MB Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Robert Ellis. While there she served on the Mothers' Board, she was an active member until her health begin to fail.

Imo Jean was known for her culinary magic, her home routinely turned into a place where family and friends could come together, smile, laugh and share loving memories. She enjoyed fishing with her sons and spending time with her grandchildren.

Imo Jean leaves to cherish many memories 5 sons Benjamin (Christine) Russey, Donald (Lottie) Russey, Herman Russey, Lee (Debra) Russey, Bruce (Joyce) Russey. 3 daughters Lacine Russey, Maxine Scott, Angela Russey & daughter in law Juanita Woods. 29 Grandchildren, 62 Great Grandchildren, 11 Great Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Special friend Jesse Ellis.

4 Sisters - Francis Flowers, Mildred Gulley, Ruth Ann Gulley all of Rockford Margaret Gulley-Story in Chidester Arkansas & 1 brother Billie Gulley Colorado.

She was predeceased by her parents Eugene & Lottie Gulley, brothers: Dennis Gulley, Benny Gulley, Herbert Gulley, Thomas Gulley, sisters Laura, Gulley & Clara Gulley, daughter Annette Russey & son George Russey; grandchildren, Latricia, Corey and Jarvis Russey.

Services will be held 12:00 noon Friday, July 7, 2023 at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church 2919 19th Street. Burial in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.