Helen Jackson Russell

Helen Jackson Russell, age 91, of Biloxi, Mississippi, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 in her home surrounded by family. She was the daughter of Charles and Hannah Jackson of Quentin, MS. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Oscar L. Russell, her son, David Earl Russell, and her son-in-law, E. Dixie Beggs III. Helen is survived by her daughter, Vickie Russell Beggs of Marietta, GA, and daughter-in-law, Kim Bailey Russell of Gulfport, MS; four grandchildren, Emily Elizabeth Beggs, Jessica Renee Russell, Kristina Janelle Bradley (Phillip), and Major Rodney Brock, U.S. Army (Jessica); and four great-grandchildren, Alaina and Walter Bradley, and Mason and Olivia Brock. Born and raised in Quentin, MS, Helen was one of nine children, and although she was not the youngest, she was by far the tiniest earning her the nickname ‘Bug’. After graduating from Meadville High School, she went on to begin her life working at a bank in Natchez, MS. She would soon meet Oscar L. Russell who was also working in Natchez, MS at the time after serving in the US Navy during WWII. Helen and Oscar soon married and spent 67+ wonderfully adventurous years together. In June of 1951, Helen became a first-time mom when she and Oscar welcomed their daughter Vickie Ann Russell (Beggs) to the world followed by their son, David Earl Russell in January of 1955. She later went on to receive her Associate’s Degree from Clark Memorial College, followed by her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees both from Mississippi College. Those who met Helen would frequently describe her as “Small but Mighty” and that became particularly true when she climbed the ladder within the Biloxi School System (and later Gulfport School System as well) in which she held many titles including, but not limited to, Director of Elementary Education, Director of Special Projects, District Testing Coordinator, & Psychometrist. Helen was born to be in education and genuinely loved working in the schools as what would now be equivalent to an Assistant Superintendent. Driven and compassionate, she humbly broke many ‘glass ceilings’ pathing the way for future women in her field to hold administrative roles. Officially retired, Helen had one last role in the education system when she taught college courses at William Carey College. As the “preacher’s wife” but also not one to just stand by, Helen was of service to the people of East Howard Baptist Church (where Oscar was the lead pastor for many years). She played the organ, led Vacation Bible Schools, started and led several Sunday School and prayer groups, provided food and resources to those in need, and spread the love of Christ throughout the communities they were a part of. Upon retirement, Helen and Oscar set out to enjoy their life together as retirees. Their love of travel and the great outdoors led them to purchase an RV and begin their “second journey” in life as members of the Goods Sam’s Club in which Oscar also was named Chaplin. They made lifelong friendships with others they met throughout the country on their many trips and were also able to create cherished memories with their family (especially grandchildren) who they often took with them. One of their greatest adventures was in the summer of 1993 when their RV took them across the country to Yellowstone National Park in Montana as missionary volunteers in the Christian Service Corps. While there, they led a group of college students to become “Innovators” who set out to share the Word of God to summer employees of Yellowstone and far beyond. In addition to traveling and ministry work, Helen was a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International- Zeta State in which she was honored as a Woman of Distinction. She also was an active member of the Southern Baptist Convention Messenger’s Program attending many conventions throughout the years with Oscar. She was also a devoted advocate for the WWII Veterans and affiliations recognizing them and contributing to their well-being. She gave her time as a volunteer for the Blinded Veterans Association becoming an Auxiliary Rep for them in Mississippi. All this aside, Helen’s greatest joy by far was her role as a grandmother (and later great-grandmother). Her titles ranged from MawMaw to Grandma to Memo. Despite having three granddaughters and a grandson, she never seemed to run out of energy, unconditional love, generosity, and life lessons that she taught to them. As a role model to them, she helped raise them to be the strong, resilient, kind, and loving adults they are today. Although she excelled at all her jobs throughout life including that of a mom, it is her grandchildren who would win any argument that her greatest “accomplishment” in life was being the World’s Best MawMaw/Grandma. This was seen to be true as her last moments on earth were spent with two of her granddaughters surrounding her bed sharing their stories of their life well spent with their MawMaw. As Helen is now reunited with her beloved Oscar, her family hopes she is remembered for her courage, kindness, wisdom, love, and most importantly for her everlasting faithfulness in God. The family can rejoice and celebrate her life knowing that they will see her again. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy and memory will carry on through them. The family would like to thank all the wonderful nurses and caretakers who cared for her, many of whom became like family. A special thank you in particular to Tammy and Tommy Mimms, Stephanie and Josh Box, Peggy and Jack Brock, Sharmaine Jones, the nurses and doctors at Gulfport Memorial Hospital, Kirsten Brown and all of the wonderful people at Home Instead. They all played a part in ensuring she lived her best life here on earth and transitioned peacefully to her eternal life in Heaven. Due to Covid-19, the family will be having a small, private service at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, February 8, 2021. The service can be viewed, Monday, February 8,2021, via live stream on Bradford O’Keefe’s Facebook page linked here: https://www.facebook.com/bradfordokeefe available and starting at 12:30 PM. A memorial service will also be held this summer (Covid-19 permitting) at First Baptist Church of Biloxi with details to follow. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Blinded Veterans Association or the Landing Craft Support Museum. Those donations can be sent to: Blinded Veterans Association Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group, Inc 335 West Bridge Street Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 Or Landing Craft Support Museum C/O Bonnie A. Steenbergen, Treasurer 7345 W. Lakeside Drive Littleton, CO 80125 Bradford-o'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Russell family.