Marion Hays Russell passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at her Jackson residence, at the age of 97. She was born on August 12, 1928, in Henderson County, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Hollis and Tulula Hamlett Hays.

Marion's family lived in Henderson County during her early years and later moved to Madison County. She graduated from J. B. Young High School. She met the love of her life, J. W. Russell, when he returned to Bemis, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They married in Corinth, MS on June 7, 1947. Their union would last 62 years until J.W.'s death in March 2010.

Marion was a devout Christian who was Baptist in her faith. She lived her faith through her actions and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her family was the cornerstone of her life and she cherished every moment spent with them. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters, Rosemary Cabanaw and Emily Fewell and her husband Hal; her brother, Maurice Hays and his wife; her sister-in-law Dorothy Hayes and her adoring grandchildren, Amanda Moore, Rusty Cabanaw, Ashley Russell, Christopher Russell, and LeeAnna Fewell and eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband J.W. Russell and her son, Stephen Anthony Russell and a grandson, Stephen Russell, Jr., as well as her siblings Herman Odle, Sr.. Helen Barnes and Robert E. "Bob" Hayes.

Marion worked for many years as a Secretary at Dyer High School in Dyer, TN Her passion for life extended to her many interests. She was an avid gardener and grew a wide variety of vegetables every summer. Marion was a wonderful cook, and she loved preparing delicious meals that brought her family together around the dinner table.

After retirement Marion and J.W. traveled extensive throughout the western United States visiting several National Parks and also visited friends in Canada and were able to tour Ontario and see the majesty of Niagara Falls. They made several trips to the islands of Hawaii, their last being a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. In recent years, Marion had visited Disney World frequently with her family creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Those who knew Marion would describe her as the epitome of selflessness, loving, and gentle. Her kindness touched the lives of many, and her warm presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

SERVICES: A time with family and friends will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Tracy Snider and Rev. Maurice Hays officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving will be Rusty Cabanaw, Aiden Moore, Hal Fewell, Joe Moore, Hermon Odle and Johnny Brantley.

The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org or the Alzheimer's Association, 326 Ellsworth St. Memphis, TN 38111.

Marion's life was a beautiful portrait of the love she gave so freely and the grace with which she carried herself. As we say farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the enduring impact she made on the hearts of those around her. Marion Hays Russell's memory will forever be held in the highest regard, and her spirit will continue to inspire those she has left behind. Her light, though no longer present in this world, will continue to shine brightly through the lives of her family and the many people she touched throughout her meaningful life.

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