Ernestine Russell's Obituary
Ernestine Mann Russell died December 29, 2017 at her home, The Cedars, in Stevenson, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband of near 70 years, Israel Pickens Russell III and son-in-law Johnnie W. Campbell. She is survived by daughters: Mary Lucile Allphin (Robert) of Marietta, GA and Emily Russell Campbell of Stevenson. Grandchildren are Merideth Allphin Pehler (David) and Mark Russell Allphin (Pam) all of Atlanta, GA. She had 4 great-grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren. She was 101 years old and had lived in or near Stevenson her entire life. Mrs. Russell was a homemaker, teacher of English grammar and American literature in several schools of Jackson County and was active in her community. She was a member of Stevenson First United Methodist Church and was involved in every aspect of community life and service in Stevenson through church, schools, charities and other organizations. She was an avid reader, bridge player and member of the Democratic Party.
Ernestine Mann's earliest roots were tied to the railroad scene in Stevenson, through the old Stevenson Hotel which her father owned and operated. After graduating from Stevenson High School at the age of fifteen, she attended Berea College in Kentucky and was granted a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in French in 1937. She then taught school for four years in Scottsboro and Bridgeport.
She married Pickens Russell in June of 1941. After their daughters were of school age, Ernestine returned to work, teaching sixteen years at Stevenson High School. She served as a sponsor for the Beta (Honors) Club and class activities such as the Junior Play and Junior-Senior Banquet. She was an active member of PTA and Band Boosters. Outside of school, Ernestine participated for years in the Meals on Wheels program, the Red Cross and in the North Jackson Hospital Auxiliary. She was one of two Stevenson volunteers for United Way for many years. In recent times, she has supported the Stevenson Library and the Depot Museum activities. In 2001, she and Mr. Russell were Co-Grand Marshals of the Stevenson Depot Days Parade, the town's highest honor. Always interested in the town and its people, she was a familiar sight at every Depot Days Festival. One of her last acts was to cast her absentee vote from a hospital bed in the recent Alabama Special Senate Election.
Mrs. Russell was a tolerant, open-minded woman who believed deeply in the power of education to advance lives, especially those of her fellow citizens in Jackson County. She believed in and lived out the meaning of the scripture, "to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required". In that spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, gifts be given to Pacer Packs, Stevenson's weekend feeding program for elementary and middle school children. Memorial donations are accepted at www.gofundme.com/pacerpacks or by check mailed to Stevenson Elementary School, 930 Old Mt. Carmel Rd., Stevenson, AL 35772.
Rudder Funeral Home, Stevenson, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may visit the family there on Wednesday evening, January 3, from 6:00 -8:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Stevenson, at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 4. www.rudderfuneralhomes.com
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