Joyce R. Russell

Joyce R. Russel was born on February 5, 1942 in Steele Missouri, passed away Friday June 19, 2020 while sleeping at home. For over 6 mouths she has fought the fight against her failing heart condition. The hospital visits, surgeries and medications took its toll on her body. We had just moved into our brand new home and she spent only one night, but now her Spirit is with Jesus her mother, father, brother and her best friend Sue her sister. She graduated from Whitehaven High School in Memphis Tennessee; worked for Bell South and legal secretary for her brother-in-law. She took on many hobbies over the years (quilting, knitting, crochet, needle point). The biggest contribution was to be my partner in ministry as we pastored churches in Georgia, Mississippi and Florida. I would have never become the pastor I am without my wife and friend by my side. She never realized the impact on others she made by the way she live through the ups and downs of beings a pastor's wife. Looking at the comments of her picture on my Facebook tells the story better than I could ever say; Joyce was a descent and faithful Christian and a beloved wife. She will be missed and be remembered as much more than the pastor's wife, but someone who lived her faith. Preceded were her Father Vincent Skelton, mother Nina Skelton, brother, Vince Skelton and sister Sue Witney. Surviving are her husband Don Russell of 42 years, Sisters Willa Mae Cambell and Virginia Staford; and her two adorable yorkies Sassy and Nickie. She was a member of every Methodist church we served and she never ever complained about listens to my sermons, many of them repeats, that speaks volumes of her endurance. Instead of flowers, please send a donation to your local animal shelter. We have had the opportunity to have a number of dogs who filled our void of not having children in our home. Every one of them could not have had a better mother to them. Her last anniversary card Don gave her: To my Wife with Love; It's an uncertain world that we live in where so much keeps changing so fast, And things that we thought we could count on too soon become things of the past, So with all of my heart I feel grateful for the one precious part of my life That there's for me, always, no question-my wonderful beautiful wife. I'm a very lucky man to be your husband. I am a better man because of you.

Joyce R. Russell

April 5, 1942 - June 19, 2020