After some years, The Gingerbread House began admitting older pupils between ages 6-12. She taught reading and maths.

Mama Russell’s passion for learning made it possible for many African children to get sound education and two good meals daily.

Mama Russell retired as the executive director of the board of the Gingerbread House. The school later became a centre for African American Art and history , celebrating the lives of African American heroes and inventors.

Thelma Lee Russell passed away in 2016 after a job well done.