Susan Pelfrey Russell, 73 of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2022, with her loving family by her side.
Susan was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky. She was a graduate of Rickards High School and Florida State University.
Susan attended Deer Lake United Methodist Church where she became a member upon returning to the United States after living overseas. She was an esteemed special education teacher both in Tallahassee at Gretchen Everhart and then went on to teach in several countries as a member of DoDDS. An avid traveler, she loved exploring other countries and cultures.
When not traveling she enjoyed reading, cooking, and hosting friends and family in her home.
Upon her return to Tallahassee in 2012, she became actively involved in several organizations and community groups. She was a member of the Women’s Club of Tallahassee, Tallahassee Republican Women and Thursday Morning Bible Study where she made many treasured friendships.
She is remembered as someone who was loved by everyone who met her. As a DoDDs teacher she was referred to as “Mamma Bear,” a title she gained from working with teachers and military students from Asia to Europe.
She is preceded in death by her parents Frank Pelfrey and Margaret Winborne, a loving step-father Larry Winborne, her son Danny Russell and sister Nancy Smith.
Survivors include her son, Chris Russell (Valerie); sisters Susan Large (Jesse) and Terry Eckenrode (Scott); grandchildren, Danie Russell (Travis), Chellsey Blanchard (Jordan), AnneMarie Russell and Abigail Russell; 6 great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces, nephews and local college students whose parents were still serving in the military overseas.
The family will have a Celebration of Susan’s Life at Deer Lake United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 2:00 pm with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Madison Youth Ranch, Florida United Methodist Children’s Home.
Skip Young is assisting the family with their arrangements. Family Funeral Home at Harvey Young Chapel. 850-926-5919 Familyfhc.com
