Jimmie Lee Russell

March 11, 1937 - December 7, 2020

Jimmie Lee Parker Russell went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 7, 2020. She was 83 years old. She was at home and surrounded by her loving family in her final days on this earth. She was born on March 11, 1937 in Nashville, Tennessee to James and Nora Wallwork. She gave birth to 3 sons in Tennessee and moved to Jacksonville in 1969 with her first husband, Thomas Parker. After his death, she married Claude Russell in 1976. Jimmie Lee and Claude were married 44 years during which they raised their five children together and enjoyed watching them have families of their own. A beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, Jimmie Lee was known for her love of animals, desserts, and her family. She liked to feed kittens on her back porch and watch their silly antics. After dinner, she could always find room for a bowl of ice cream or a piece of pie. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy. She saved every poem, piece of art, or graduation announcement they sent her. She loved to read, write, and draw, and often sent letters, little sketches and funny article clippings to them in the mail. Always a cheerful giver, she generously gave to her family and to strangers, even when she had little to give. She leaves behind a model legacy of faith. She prayed faithfully for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and was blessed to see them come to know and love Jesus on their own. Among her many admirable traits, she had a lively sense of humor which she passed on to her sons. It is a testament to her exemplary brand of motherhood that her sons demonstrated such great respect and tender care for her until her last breath. Though her family will miss her dearly, they find peace in knowing she is finally free of pain and experiencing ultimate comfort and joy in the presence of her Heavenly Father. Jimmie Lee is survived by her husband, Claude Russell, her sister, Shirley Hassell (Jon), her sons, Brent Parker (Mary), Troy Parker (Robin), Scott Parker (Dawn), John Russell (Lindsay Jones), and daughter Laurel Russell, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Nora Wallwork, her first husband, Thomas Parker, and her granddaughter, Madisson Ciara Russell. A Celebration of Life for Jimmie Lee Parker Russell will be held at The River Church at Jacksonville, 1820 Monument Road, on Saturday, Dec 19 at noon, with a catered barbecue lunch afterwards. The family asks that you please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Metro World Child, formerly Metro Ministries, whose mission was dear to Jimmie Lee. Donations can be made here: https://www.metroworldchild.org/donate