RUSSELL, JOHNNIE “Jere” GERALEENE, age 92, a Richmond, VA resident for 47 years, passed away peacefully on Oct 4, 2024, at her daughter’s home after declining health.
Jere was born in Brookhaven, MS on March 25, 1932, to the late John F. and Bertie Lea Brister. She grew up in Brookhaven and was introduced to Jay Russell while in high school. He was smitten then and for the rest of his life. After Jere attended the University of Southern Mississippi for two years and Jay graduated from Mississippi State, the two got married in 1952. Jay’s Air Force career brought them stateside and overseas assignments including Germany and Okinawa. In 1965 they moved to the DC area for 12 years and then finally to Richmond, VA, where they retired. Everywhere they lived Jere adapted and made a beautiful home for her family. Her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she was happiest when she had her family around her – especially feeding them! Most importantly though, Jere had the sweetest spirit and kindest heart that caused all who met her to love her. She rarely greeted anyone without a kind word and compliment. Jere loved the Lord and truly desired to honor Him with the way she lived. We were blessed beyond measure to have her with us as long as we did. This world will not be the same without her.
Jere is survived by her daughter, Sandra Russell Howells, and son, Roger Alan Russell, and his wife, Lauren. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren, Heather Howells, Chase Howells, Brittany Russell, Colin Russell, Trey Russell and Alexis Russell and 3 great-grandchildren Henry, Hannah, and Jordan, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all for whom she cared deeply. In addition to her parents, Jere was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jay, and her dearly loved sister, Mildred (Richardson).
A service will be held at Pleasant Grove Church in Monticello, MS on Nov 1, 2024, at 11am. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Any memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jere to Pleasant Grove Church, 1098 Pleasant Grove Dr, Monticello, MS 39654.