Martha Carol (Anderson) Russell, one of five siblings, (all deceased) was born to the late Isiah Anderson and Rosa Lee (Brackens) Anderson on July 13, 1934 in Troup County, Hogansville, Georgia. She departed this life on May 9, 2013 while in LaGrange Hospice where she left a lasting impression on staff because she always expressed her gratitude by saying, “Thank you so much for what you do for me and my family.”
She confessed Christ and joined Springfield Baptist Church at an early age where she served on the Usher Board, the Mother’s Board and the Kitchen Committee.
Martha, a rare and precious gem, was joined in marriage to Edward Rutledge (deceased). To this union, one child, Sharron A. Rutledge, was born. Upon marriage to her second husband, Sanders Ralph Russell (deceased), two children were born from this union; Deborah M. Russell and Felice R. Russell. She also shared a portion of her life with a devoted love one, LeRoy Atkins (deceased). Revered for her cooking, Martha spent most of her life as a cook in food services. She was known for her baking and downhome southern cooking. Her most memorable events occurred in her later years as she always prepared church homecoming meals for her family from Atlanta, Georgia and for her friends in the local community.
Martha was that “solid rock”, dependable and strong that held her family together during good and bad times. She had a gentle soul yet; stood strong on what she believed. Her true pride was her three children, her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
She leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters, Sharron A. Rutledge, Deborah M. (Russell) Smith and Felice R. Russell Cameron; two stepsons, Jerome (deceased) and Jimmy Russell; two sons-in-law, Edwin Smith and James Cameron; eight grandchildren, Chezzaray Rutledge, Tyrance (Latoya) Russell, Nichole (Eric) Henderson, Lauren. Ashleigh and Caroline Smith, Atonio Gunn, Aneshia Whitehead; ten great-grandchildren, Nadia, Deandrew, Zakia, Terrance, Desmond, Tyler, Dominique, Rashad, Jasmine and Taylor; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Anderson of Bedford, Ohio and Annie Johnson of Hogansville, Georgia; a devoted friend, Emma Shanks and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Martha was blessed with the continuous friendship of William (Bill) Holman whom she helped to rear and his two sons, David and Clayton, of Gilbert, South Carolina.
For all of us that were blessed to have known Martha, we will always remember her kind and generous heart, her love of helping those in need, her funny stories and wisesayings and her unshakeable faith. We should not mourn her passing, but we should rejoice for she has gone to her Heavenly home.