A LIFE WELL LIVED

Ethelyn Anderson Russell was born on September 26, 1955, in Sarasota, Florida, to Eva Mae Anderson (Wilcox) and the late Porter L. Anderson Sr. Upon her parents' separation, she went with her mother to Fort Lauderdale, where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Plantation High School in 1974 and later moved to Daytona Beach, Florida.

Ethel, as she preferred to be called, trained as a hair stylist. At the time of her departure, Hair Cuttery in Ormond Beach had employed her for almost 22 years.

In 2001, Ethel married her love, John Russell. They had known each other for years and on their first date, had talked about marriage. It took time but time and circumstances reunited them and kept them together through the years.

Everyone who knew her will remember Ethel for her love of God and commitment to her church. She was a member of Madison Heights Church of God in Christ for over 20 years. She served as President of the Dance Ministry, Vice President of the Prayer Ministry, Children's Church Teacher, a teacher for the Youth Praise Dancers, a member of the Choir and a faithful Sunday School teacher for the youth. In the past year, following her personal convictions, Ethel became an encourager, a counselor and a greeter to the members of the church. She welcomed everyone into the services with a fervent hug and smile.

Gardening, liturgical dance, her cats, and helping people in need were some of her favorite things. She also loved wearing hats!

Ethel performed her last liturgical dance on Sunday, August 19, 2018. On Monday, August 20, 2018, her Heavenly Father welcomed her into His loving arms.

John Russell is missing his beloved wife and will do so forever. Ethel raised three amazing children and they all call her blessed. Her oldest son, Sammy Anderson (Rosie), son, Charlie Harper, and only daughter, Nya Neely (Andrew). Her mother, Eva Mae, recently turned 80 and lives in Sarasota. Ethel was one of eight children and was the oldest daughter. The siblings left to mourn her passing are her oldest brother, Porter L. Anderson Jr. of Sarasota, FL (Rev. Lauretta), sister, Eve Allen (Lucius) of Los Angeles California, younger brothers, Daniel Hudson of Fort Lauderdale, FL,  and Ralph Hudson of Atlanta, Georgia. Sisters-in-law include her husband's sisters, Helen Gomes (Al) of Daytona Beach and Maxie Hudson of Orlando. Calling her "Grandma" are Sammy and Rosie Anderson's children: Gianna Nicohl, Magnus Xavier and Genivah Hope Anderson. Ethel also had three nephews from her brother Porter and sister Eve but was called Mom, Auntie, and Grandma by a number of children and young adults throughout the Daytona Beach area and beyond. This wonderful woman of God touched many lives and surely she is safe, sound, and happy in His presence today.

Arrangements entrusted to Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.  Condolences and memories are welcome to be shared with Ethelyn's family via this online guestbook.