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Rochelle Russell

Rochelle Russell, born Rochelle Dorsey, was a Black American woman from Baltimore. She and her husband, Chris Russell, raised their children, Diana and Levi, with practical support from Rochelle’s parents, Teddy and Evie. When medical providers recommended institutional placement for Levi after a neonatal infection caused significant brain injury, Rochelle visited Maryland’s Rosewood Center, rejected the recommendation, and brought him home.

Family and Early Adulthood

Rochelle was born in the late 1940s to Teddy and Evie Dorsey. She later married Chris Russell and lived in Baltimore. Their daughter, Diana, was born in 1967.

Levi’s Birth and Care

Levi was born on November 23, 1974. Group B streptococcal meningitis during the neonatal period caused significant brain injury and lifelong support needs.

Medical providers recommended that Rochelle and Chris place Levi at Maryland’s Rosewood Center. Rochelle visited the institution and decided against placement. She and Chris raised Levi at home, with Teddy and Evie providing additional care and practical support. Rochelle remained Levi’s primary caregiver until his death around 1992 at approximately eighteen years old.

Family and Core Relationships

Main article: Diana Washington and Levi Russell

Chris Russell

Chris was Rochelle’s husband and the father of Diana and Levi. He worked as a longshoreman and shared responsibility for supporting the household. He died from a fatal prescription pain-medication overdose around 1993.

Diana Washington

Diana was Rochelle’s daughter. Diana’s middle name, Rochelle, honored her mother. Rochelle’s decision to raise Levi at home remained an important part of Diana’s family history.

Levi Russell

Levi was Rochelle’s son. She rejected institutional placement and cared for him at home throughout his life.

Teddy and Evie Dorsey

Teddy and Evie were Rochelle’s parents. Their practical support helped Rochelle and Chris care for Levi at home.

Illness and Death

Rochelle developed cancer after Levi and Chris died. She died in the mid-to-late 1990s.

Legacy and Memory

Rochelle’s name continued through Diana Rochelle Washington and Diana’s granddaughter, Rochelle Washington. Her rejection of institutional placement for Levi remained part of the Russell and Washington families’ shared history.

Memorable Quotes

No verified exact quotation is currently available.

Characters Supporting Characters Deceased Characters Black Characters Black American Characters Disabled Characters Chronic Illness Characters Russell Family