Linda Russell

Greenville, SC

Proverbs 31: 10-31–“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”

Linda Elizabeth Latimer Russell, the daughter of Mrs. Bertie Boseman Latimer and Mr. Matthew Sam Latimer, was born on Wednesday, February 19, 1947 in Belton, SC. She departed this life on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital with her loving husband, David Russell, Sr., at her bedside vigil.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” ( Ecclesiastes 3:4 ) The shock of Linda’s sudden passing is comforted by the knowledge that she is resting in peace. The eloquence of the tributes will give pause to tears of sorrow and laughter.

She was raised in Belton, SC and graduated from Geer Gantt High School (Anderson County) in 1965. Linda attended Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC and received a B.S. degree in Home Economics in 1969.

It was at “Scotia” that she met fellow student, David Russell, and they dated for two years, and have been married for fifty-four years. Affectionately, she called him, “Russell,” and “Lin” was the name by which he called her. “We talked to each other every day for fifty-six years, even if she were traveling or if I were traveling.” (David Russell, Sr.)

She earned a Master’s degree in Education Guidance and Personnel Services from Clemson University in 1977. She was employed with Clemson University for thirty-two years where she served as Home Economics and 4-H Agent in Greenville County, County Extension Director for Cherokee, Greenville and Spartanburg Counties; then promoted to Upstate Regional Extension Director.

Linda was a woman of noble character and was a devoted mother and grandmother. Together, they raised two children (Kalisha and David, Jr.). The kids were involved in many activities, including Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, PTAs, 4-H, Jack and Jill of America, as well as various sports and summer camps. She was lovingly called “Granlyn” by her grandsons, Elias and Amir. She had an unconditional love that will remain with them throughout their lives.

For nearly fifty years, Linda worshipped at Springfield Baptist Church (Greenville, SC). Her faithfulness was demonstrated by her years of service and dedicated membership on various ministries, inclusive of, but not limited to Missionary Circles, the Usher Board, and the Trustee Board.

Linda was very passionate about serving her community. She held numerous positions with various local service organizations like the United Way, Phyllis Wheatley, and the YWCA, and was able to realize her fulfillment of admirable service through civic and social engagements with South Carolina Democratic Women’s Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and The Girl Friends, Inc. She also volunteered with the Diaper Bank of the Carolinas (Greenville, SC) and Meals on Wheels.
“Service is the rent we pay for being.” (Marian Wright Edelman).

With a caring heart, Linda welcomed and invited family and friends into her home. She genuinely enjoyed sharing fun times with them, ensuring that time together was joyful. She embodied love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Mr. Matthew Sam Latimer; mother, Mrs. Bertie Latimer Nance; stepfather, Mr. Booker T. Nance; father-in-law, Mr. Lawrence E. Russell; mother-in-law, Mrs. Sarah Hamilton Russell; brothers-in-law, Mr. Jimmy and Mr. Billy Russell and Mr. Clarence Logan, as well as other extended family members.

She leaves to cherish many fond memories, her loving husband, Mr. David Russell, Sr.; her devoted children, Ms. Kalisha Russell Barrett (Kennesaw, GA) and Mr. David Russell, Jr. (Simpsonville, SC); her cherished grandsons, Elias and Amir Barrett (Kennesaw, GA); sister, Mrs. Barbara Latimer Hodges (Grady, Sr.), Anderson, SC; brother, Mr. Melvin Latimer (Loretta), Belton, SC; sisters-in-law, Ms. Elaine Logan, Edneyville, NC and Ms. Yuriko Ka Russell, Hendersonville, NC; brother-in-law, Mr. Robbie Russell, Greenville, SC; a host of nephews and nieces, numerous cousins, extended family members, as well as a plethora of friends who loved Linda Elizabeth Latimer Russell.

Visitation: Monday, January 29, 2024, 10:00am - 11:00am Springfield Baptist Church

Funeral Services: Monday, January 29, 2024, 11:00am at Springfield Baptist Church with interment in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who wishes to honor Linda's legacy can make a donation to Springfield Baptist Church's Capital Campaign, a cause she was passionate about.
Donations can be made online at http://www.springfieldbapt.com or can be mailed to Springfield Baptist Church at 600 East McBee Avenue, Greenville, SS 29601.

Services are entrusted to the staff at Watkins, Garrett, and Woods Mortuary.