Sara Draffen Russell

Born in Calvert City, KY, daughter of the late Mert and Jennie Draffen. She attended Ward Belmont College in Nashville and the University of Kentucky in Lexington. She married John Graydon Russell, Sr. and resided over 50 years in Paducah, KY. She moved to Nashville following the death of her husband in 1988.

Also preceded in death by a brother, William Roy Draffen of Calvert City, KY; and two daughters, Mary Rose Russell Dunn of St. Louis and Sara Frances Russell Holleman of Nashville.

Survivors include a son, John G. Russell, Jr of Nashville; nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 24 from 4 until 6 p.m. in the parlor of Immanuel Baptist Church, 222 Belle Meade Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37205. A private graveside service will take place Friday, April 25 at Mt. Kenton Cemetery, Paducah, KY at 11 a.m., conducted by Rev. Gregory Waldrup, Pastor of Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church, Paducah, KY. Pallbearers will be the nine grandchildren: Allison Hancock(Birmingham), Key Holleman, Jr (Nashville), George Holleman (Memphis), Kenneth Russell (Nashville), John Russell, III (Park City, Utah), Holly Russell (Greenville, SC), Melanie Sides (Humble, TX), Jim Dunn, jr (St. Louis) and Mary Beth Merlotti (St. Louis).

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to one's charity of choice.

The family expresses their deep appreciation to the staff, nurses and caregivers of Richland Place Health Center and to Emma Biggs, Ruslyn Hamm, Libby Ryman, Shirley Waynick and Carol Bone for their loving care, service and support.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, Nashville, TN.