Elizabeth (Betsy) Howard Russell, 84, of Asheville, NC, passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Dr. Rollin O. Russell; her children Bethany Baker (Joseph), Amy Russell (Michael Finch), Stephen Russell (Scott Neeley), and Joseph Hilliard (Lucy); and five grandchildren.
Born in Mobile, AL, Betsy graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University and later earned a master’s in French from TCU. She taught English and French at high schools in Texas and North Carolina and served as a professor at Elon University. A dedicated advocate, she was active in political and community service, including working on Jimmy Carter’s campaign and helping found the Women’s Resource Center in Burlington, NC. Those who knew her best are thankful for her kindness, compassion, and hospitality, her excellence in teaching, and her fierce commitment to integrity, equality, and justice.
A memorial service will be held on her 85th birthday, Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1:30pm at First Congregational UCC in Asheville. Donations in her memory may be made to the Women’s Resource Center of Alamance County or First Congregational UCC of Asheville.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that donations be made in memory of Betsy Russell to the Women’s Resource Center in Alamance County (https://wrcac.org/) or to First Congregational United Church of Christ of Asheville (https://uccasheville.org).
Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave., Asheville is honored to be caring for Betsy’s family. Condolences may be sent to the family through the website, www.MorrisFamilyCare.com
