Edra Mae Withrow Russi

Edra Withrow Russi passed peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, June 2, 2019. She was born on April 20, 1937 in Crab Orchard, Kentucky to Lester and Kate Withrow. Later she spent her childhood in Dalton, Georgia. She attended Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia where she met her future husband, David T. Russi. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and later received her Master’s Degree in Education at Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was a resident of Sanford since 1956. Through the years she was employed as a teacher with Head Start, All Souls Catholic School, and Seminole County Public Schools-Pinecrest Elementary and Lakeview Middle School. Mom was the beloved matriarch of the Russi family. Her first priorities were to God and family. She instilled loyalty to family and a strong work ethic in her children. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles and was interested in activities involving her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, David Russi Sr., her 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; son David Russi Jr. of Sanford, granddaughters Anne and Sara Russi with mother Stephanie Russi, son Mark Russi (Cheryl) of Lake Mary, granddaughters Jessica and Jennifer Russi, Sharon Bateman (Chris) of Sanford, grandson Christopher and granddaughter Kelli Bateman, and son Terry Russi (Ruth) of Orange Park, Florida and granddaughter Holly Gomberg (Jacob) of Miami, Florida, great grandson Jon, great grandson Ari, great granddaughter Jules, grandsons Jared and Jason Russi. She was predeceased by her parents Lester and Kate Withrow of Dalton, Georgia and brothers James Webb, Homer Withrow, Burly Withrow, sisters Dovie Young, Ida Hackney and survived by sisters Bonnie Panter, Mary Ellis, and brother Joe Withrow. Mom, you are loved and revered, and we will miss you always. God Bless you and we know he will keep you. Viewing will be Thursday June 6th, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Sanford. Funeral services will be held Friday June 7th at 9:30 AM at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home with internment at Oak Lawn Cemetery.