Jean Marie Russell

Jean Russell, born on May 5, 1942, in Indianapolis, Indiana, peacefully passed away on September 2, 2025. A dedicated educator, Jean taught middle school, high school, and adult education, retiring from Madison Heights Public Schools after seven years of commendable service, following an impactful sixteen-year tenure at Ferndale Schools. Jean's commitment to her profession was complemented by her academic credentials; she graduated second in her class from Clayton High School in 1960 and earned her degree in Education, Consumer, and Family Science from Purdue University in 1964. She also held a significant role as a devoted member of the Ann Tweedale Co-op House at Purdue.

An inspiration to many, Jean's personality shone brightest in her family life. She was deeply devoted to her grandchildren and was actively involved in all their activities. Her loving nature extended beyond her immediate family, reaching out to friends and relatives across the country throughout her life. Jean not only volunteered in classrooms but also took on various roles within the Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and an enthusiastic choir member since the 1960s. Her affection for the DAPC family was evident, especially as she supported the congregation through its transition to Berkley in 2017.

Outside of her professional and church commitments, Jean had a wide array of interests and hobbies that enriched her life and those around her. She was particularly known for her passion for music, often playing the piano and attending concerts and musicals with friends. Her artistic flair was evident in her love of painting, sewing, and quilting. Jean was also an avid reader and was keenly interested in current events. A lifelong learner, she embraced technology, being one of the early adopters of home computers, and enjoyed exploring different cultures and cuisines. Jean found joy in nature, lovingly tending to her garden and flower beds.

In the professional sphere, she contributed to the 1970s microwave cooking demonstrations for Tappan Applications and had associations with Avon and Leiter's Fabric.

Jean is survived by her caring family, which includes her daughters, Jennifer (Greg) Main and Joanna (Bruce) Blalock; her son, Jay (DeAnne) Russell; and her beloved grandchildren, Justin, Abigail, Mary, Sophia, Anna, Brevin, Ingrid, Svea, Katelyn, Elise, and Aubrey. She also leaves behind her sister, Elizabeth (Thomas) Harmon, her brother, Robert (Sandra) DeLong, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jean's legacy is an embodiment of her love for family, dedication to community service, and passion for education and the arts. She is predeceased by her husband, Gerald Russell; her father, Marion DeLong; her mother, Helen DeLong; her brother, John DeLong; her father-in-law, Herbert Russell; her mother-in-law, Hermina Russell; her sister-in-law, Hiroko DeLong; and brothers-in-law James (Lucille) Russell and Richard (Fern) Russell.

A Visitation for Jean will be held on Friday September 12, 2025, from 2 to 8 PM at Wessels & Wilk Funeral Home in Pleasant Ridge. Followed by a Funeral Service on Saturday September 13, 2025, at 11 AM, at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, located at 529 Hendrie Blvd. Royal Oak 48067.

Jean Russell will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will be cherished for the light she brought into the lives of many.

In lieu of flowers Jean's family request that donations be made out in her name to Camp Kesem at University of Michigan, P.O. Box 4133 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or to Gilda's Club, 3517 Rochester Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073.