About 28 years old. San Diego, California.

Diane had the ability to focus on a  subject with laser like precision, never letting go until satisfied that she had exhausted all avenues for it's completion. Back in the 1980's her brother took a nasty fall in a Hardy's restaurant due to some spilled liquid on the floor. Even though the staff had been notified it was there no one cleaned it up. After a jury trial, which her brother lost, she hunted down every witness to the event, took their statement, and convinced them to be witnesses at a new trial should one  be obtained. Some of these witnesses did not live in the safest part of town, but that did not stop her; she proceeded anyhow.  Consulting with the lawyer with the new evidence brought about the award of a new trial. This second one went completely different from the first one, with the jury, while deliberating, send a note out to the judge asking if they could award more than what the lawsuit was requesting. Her brother won his lawsuit, receiving the biggest award in Virginia history at the time, an event that would not have happened without Diane's determination that justice be served. Wheeling her grey Buick bearing license plate number SKY 412 around the Tidewater area, she got it done. 

I just  want to share a little memory of Diane from our childhood.

One time Diane, Mary and I raided grandmas garden in the middle of the night.  I was about 6, Diane was 11 and Mary was 15.  We picked grandmas biggest cucumber.  We sat in the swing out by the coal pile off the kitchen and near the old well.  When we started eating it, I wanted to peel it but Mary and Diane made me eat it whole so we wouldn't leave any evidence.

I sometimes think about this and how bitter that old cucumber was, but Mary and Diane were whooping and laughing at their little prank.

All thru life, Mary and Diane have been tied together and co harts in michief and life in general.

Wade and family. My deepest condolences to you at this vey sad moment in life. God Speed and keep you wrapped in his everlasting, loving  and all knowing arms.
Sincerely
Kim Godwin

I remember, as a little girl, sitting on aunt Diane’s bed, hanging out with her. She was a teenager, twelve years older than me, and so very beautiful, I thought of her as my “movie star aunt”. I was still quite young when she married uncle Al and they moved away. I always enjoyed seeing her when she came home to visit. I hold only fond memories of this beautiful soul. Happy journey Aunt Diane.

Graveside Service

Albert L. Russell

Wade Russell (Janet)

Shayne Russell (Susan)

Billy Melton

Wayne (Elois)

Bob (Clair)

Mary

Shannon

Hanna

Ciara

Evelyn

Clay

Addison

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Melonie Russell

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Melonie Diane Russell

August 21, 1942 – January 9, 2023

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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