Dora Russell

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Dora Wilkinson Russell joined her heavenly family on February 15, 2009. The youngest of seven children born to Mary and Edgar Wilkinson, she entered this world on April 19, 1919.
She attended public schools in Selma and graduated from the University of Alabama where she served as President of Kappa Delta sorority.
Dora married Edgar Poe Russell, Jr. and traveled with him as he served as test pilot for The United States Navy during WW2. After the war, they lived in Tuscaloosa, AL until he received his law degree. He practiced law in Selma and later became Circuit Judge. Dora worked for the Presbyterian Church and later for the University of Alabama and Auburn University as secretary in charge of their extension programs.
Dora served her church faithfully all of her life, teaching Sunday school and serving as President of The Women of the Church. She received the honor of being named to, “The Lifetime Women of the Church.”
She was active in her community and served as State President of The Colonial Dames. She was a charter member of Pandora, a member of Selma Charity League, and The Trellis Garden Club.
She enjoyed flower arranging and arranged flowers for pilgrimages and weddings. Gardening was a passion and she shared her plants with her many friends. Bridge was one of her favorite pastimes as it was time spent with her many friends whom she loved and loved her. She was loved by all who knew her.
Her family was the most important part of her life, being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Judge Edgar Poe Russell, Jr., her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Edgar Wilkinson, and her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Russell and Jack McKissack, Elizabeth Russell and Doctor Ed Williams; grandchildren, Cam Williams Cowen (Bobby), Rick Williams, Elizabeth McKissack Wood (Copeland), Amanda McKissack Roberds (Jay); great grandchildren, Catherine Dowen, Elizabeth Cown, Robert Cowen, Ed Williams IV, Rhyne Williams, William Wood, Mary Russell Wood, and Anne Roberds. She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews.
Her family will receive friends at the First Presbyterian Church Warren Room from 10 o’clock until 11 o’clock on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. The funeral will be at the First Presbyterian Church at Eleven o’clock, with Dr. Ron Stone officiating and Lawrence Brown Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow at New Live Oak Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Clinton Wilkinson III, John Russell III, Vaughn Russell, Dr. Don Russell, David Russell, Ricky Bromberg, Frank Bromberg III, Cartledge Blackwell, and Jeff Williams.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Children’s Home in Talladega, Selma Public Library, or a charity of choice.