Miss Forest Jean "Flora" Russell

Miss Forest Jean "Flora" Russell, 62, of Forrest City, Arkansas, peacefully transitioned from this life on March 4, 2026, at 2:40 a.m. at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Miss Forest Jean Russell was born on March 10, 1963, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to the late Eugene Russell and the late Martha Mae Jones Russell.

She was educated in the Forrest City School District and graduated from Forrest City High School in 1981. Following high school, she attended college for a brief time. Miss Russell later devoted much of her working life to education, serving the Forrest City School District with dedication and care. She worked in the Alternative Learning Environment and also served as a substitute teacher, where she impacted the lives of many students and families. Miss Russell accepted Christ at an early age at Redeeming Christian Spiritual #1. Later in life, she joined Prosperity Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served. During her time there, she served as choir director and as chairman of the Missionary Department, also working actively as a missionary. The children of the church especially loved her, as she had a special way of connecting with and caring for them.

Miss Russell grew up in Forrest City, where she built lifelong relationships and touched the lives of many through her kindness, strength, and caring spirit. She enjoyed praising the Lord, spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, and singing. Forest also enjoyed fellowship with family and friends and was known for her vibrant personality and her ability to bring joy to those around her. Her nurturing heart, wisdom, and dedication made her not only an educator, but also a mentor and guide to many. Forest was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was known for her warm smile, compassionate nature, and the genuine care she extended to others. Her life was marked by love, service, and devotion to family and community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Russell and Martha Mae Jones Russell; three sisters, Margaret Austin Russell, Helen Russell Brown, and Ruby J. Russell Williams; one brother, Larry Russell; and two grandchildren, Treykal Billups and Austin Russell.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children: Carlos (Krystal) Russell of Regal, Minnesota; De'Andrew Russell of Forrest City, Arkansas; and Danielle R. Russell of Forrest City, Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Bobbie Russell of Forrest City, Arkansas; Jessie Russell of Forrest City, Arkansas; Ora Russell of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Doris (Kem) Austin of Little Rock, Arkansas; along with a host of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Miss Russell also leaves a host of loving relatives, including an uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and many others whose lives she touched. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, yet her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.