Betty Yearwood Russell, 83, died on April 9, 2015 at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at First United Methodist Church, Lexington, MS at 1 P.M. Burial will take place following the service at the Odd Fellow Cemetery in Lexington, MS. Visitation will take place at First United Methodist Church from 11 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. prior to the service on Saturday.

Betty was born on March 30, 1932 in Columbia, MS to Bruce and Nell Fortenberry Yearwood. She grew up in Columbia prior to moving to Lexington at the age of sixteen. She graduated from Lexington High School in the Class of 1950 with her high school sweetheart and husband of 62 years, William H. (Sonny) Russell. Betty attended the University of Southern Mississippi formerly Mississippi Southern.

Betty and Sonny married on November 10, 1952. They lived in Oakland, California for two years where he was stationed at the Alameda Naval Air Base, United States Navy. Upon leaving California, they moved back to Lexington, MS to raise their family. Betty was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a faithful church member who served as president of the UMW for many years. She loved her church family but most of all she loved Jesus Christ. Family and friends were treasures to Betty. Grandchildren were her pride and joy. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren compete. She never met a stranger and her love for people was evidenced in the life she led. Many friends were the recipients of her delicious dishes prepared with love.

Betty is survived by her husband, William H. Russell of Lexington, MS; son, William Bruce Russell, Sr. and wife Sheila of Lexington, MS; her grandsons William Bruce Russell, Jr. and Sessums Russell of Lexington, MS; daughter, Laurie Russell Dahlem and husband Terry of Madison, MS; her granddaughters Darah Dahlem of Tyler, Texas; Katie Dahlem Robinson and husband Clint of Spanish Fort, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jimmy Yearwood; her sister, Mary Linton; and her son, James Christopher Russell.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 157, Lexington, MS 39095 or Lexington Foundation For Excellence (Central Holmes Christian School) P. O. Box 14, Lexington, MS 39095.