Georgia E. Russell

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Georgia E. Russell, 78, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, at Communities of Wildwood Ranch in Joplin. Georgia was born on July 15, 1938, in Nevada, to Joe Henry and Lucy Anna (Smith) May. On Dec. 31, 1968, she was united in marriage to Donald B. Russell and they celebrated 45 years of marriage before his passing on Feb 19, 2013.

Georgia spent her life as a homemaker for her beloved husband, Don. She was an incredible cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. A family favorite was fried quail, mashed potatoes & gravy and corn on the cob. Georgia had a flair for design, she and Don enjoyed building and decorating their Southern style homes together.

Georgia enjoyed gardening and flowers. She and her brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Doris May, operated May’s Floral and Gift Shop together for several years.

Georgia was one of the original developers for the Moss House for Battered Women and Children. Her work to remodel and furnish the Moss house was very meaningful to her. She was recognized by the City of Nevada, the American Association of University Women and Soroptimist International for her services helping women and children. She also served on the Nevada Hospital Board.

She is survived by one brother, Lloyd E. May and his wife Doris, Nevada; one sister, Cora Stark and her husband Woodrow, Peculiar; two step-daughters, Susan Brashears and her husband Doug, Eureka Springs, Ark., and Patty Breckenridge and her husband Bryan, Nevada; one step-son, John Russell and his wife Judi, Mt. Vernon, Mo.; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Private graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, at Moore Cemetery, Nevada, with Pastor Dennis Engelbrecht officiating.

Donations can be made to Council on Families in Crisis/Moss House, 415 N Main, Nevada, MO and St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.