Joyce Russell

Born January 19, 1930, in Fairmont, North Carolina, Joyce was the daughter of the late Vernie McDaniel Huggins and Offie McNeil Huggins. Throughout her long and full life, Joyce devoted herself to her family, her faith, and to serving others in her community. She was a homemaker, a church bookkeeper and secretary, an elementary school nurse, a seasonal preparer of income tax returns, and a longtime volunteer at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. In each of these roles, she brought dedication, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Joyce was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, worshiping first in Cary, North Carolina, and later in Wilmington, North Carolina. Her faith was an important and enduring part of her life, and she cherished the fellowship and friendships she found through her church. But make no mistake, she was as firm in her opinions as she was protective of her family. Never at a loss for words, she could be persuasive, but was always quick to extend grace to others.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Major Glenn Russell, and by her son, John Denning Russell. Joyce is survived by daughters Glenda R. Osborne (Colin) and Janet R. Hollis (Ralph), a son Jeffrey G. Russell (Belinda), and a daughter-in-law Donna W. Russell; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 18, at Oleander Memorial Garden in Wilmington, NC, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Foundation at ncshpfoundation.org.