Eva Mae Russell

1941 - 2025

Eva Mae Jones Russell, 83, of Raymond, Mississippi, passed away at home on April 11, 2025.

Born on June 21, 1941, in Clarksdale, Eva grew up with a strong sense of compassion and curiosity that led her to pursue nursing. She moved to Jackson to attend the Gilfoy School of Nursing and it was through her work as a student nurse that she met the love of her life, Jesse 'Scuddy' Russell. They married in August 1962 and built a life together rooted in love, faith, family, and service.

Eva devoted her life to the service of others through her profession as a nurse. She began her career providing compassionate hands-on care to patients, where her gentle presence and dedication made a lasting impact. She later transitioned into clinical research, driven by a deep interest in advancing medical knowledge and improving care. Her commitment to health and wellness then led her to work in Student and Employee Health where she provided compassionate care for countless students and employees. After retiring, Eva's passion for research called her back and she continued her work in the field of nursing for an additional ten years. Her spirit of giving also led her to volunteer with the Red Cross, assisting in recovery efforts after major hurricanes, including Ivan and Wilma; Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to those that couldn't leave their house; and serving as an usher for events at the Mississippi Coliseum and for shows at New Stage Theatre.

A faithful member of Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton, Eva lived out her beliefs through kindness and service. She found joy in life's simple pleasures - playing games like Bunco, Phase 10, Skip-Bo, and Dominoes; collecting Beanie babies and State quarters; and spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eva had a true zest for life. She was an avid traveler, visiting nearly all 50 states as well as Canada, Mexico, Ireland, the UK, France, Spain and Israel. Her grandchildren fondly remember many Sunday and birthday meals at Mamaw's house, where she was known to inspect everyone's plates to make sure not a single fry or drop of ketchup-was wasted.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Jesse 'Scuddy' Russell; her daughter Renee Killebrew (Les), her son John Russell (Theresa), her grandchildren Chase Killebrew, Jessica Killebrew, Russell Courtney (Selina), Josh Courtney, Robin Cox (Matthew), Annemarie Russell, and Samantha Russell, her great-grandchildren, Ty and Elli Courtney, Lucy Rose Davis and her cat Daisy.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Paul Jones and Marjorie Jones Burns, her son Jack Russell, her daughter Rosanne Courtney and her grandson Taylor Ryan Killebrew.

Eva's legacy is one of love, laughter, generosity, and fierce devotion to her family and friends.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A visitation for Eva will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Parkway Baptist Church, 802 N. Frontage Rd., Clinton, Mississippi 39056, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM. Eva will be laid to rest in Lakewood Memorial Park.