Jerilyn Russell 1943-2021

From her birth Jan. 21, 1943, in Struthers to her death Saturday, she nourished people around her with love, faith and humility. She was the second-oldest of five children.

Upon graduating from Struthers High School, she attended the Youngstown Southside Hospital School of X-Ray Technology.

It was her smile and spirit that attracted Thomas Russell to her while at a church youth function in high school. Jerilyn and Tom married June 15, 1963, in Struthers, and made their home in Cincinnati, and later at Lake Santee in Greensburg, Ind., and Hendersonville, N.C.

Jerilyn truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures — active involvement in church, chatting with friends and family, knitting and stitching, and spending time with her family.

Left to honor Jerilyn and remember her love are Tom; their two children, Matthew (Kristen) Russell and Michael (Erin) Russell; six grandchildren, Hannah Russell, Ellen Russell, Megan Russell, Nolan Russell, Quinlan Russell and Kellan Russell; three sisters, Jacqueline (George) Cummings, Karen (Michael) Yobe and Susan Rowland; one brother, Fred (Darlene) Rowland; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Isabella.

Jerilyn will be remembered as a bright, shining light in the various communities and churches she served.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville, with the Rev. Karen Easter-Bayne officiating. A Celebration of Life Service and burial will take place in Youngstown at a later date.

The Russell family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at the Elizabeth House, and the doctors and staff at Pardee Hospital Cancer Center and Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville for their attentiveness and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Jerilyn’s name to First United Methodist Church, 204 Sixth Ave. W, Hendersonville, NC 28739 or P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312. Note that the donation is in memory of Jerri Russell, NC Chapter H.

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