Obituary: Lorraine Vandiford Russell
HOOKERTON: Lorraine Vandiford Russell, age 85, passed away Wednesday, May 8th, 2024. Born at home on the family farm in the small community of Scuffleton, North Carolina on February 28th, 1939, she was the only daughter of Heber and Marie Vandiford. She was a 1957 graduate of the Maury High School where she was a cheerleader.
Lorraine attended East Carolina University (ECU) where she received her bachelor’s degree in Primary Education in 1961. Upon graduation, she taught third grade at Contentnea School in Kinston, NC. She later taught at Parrott Academy and West Greene Elementary School. She married the love of her life, Dr. Charles Edwin Russell, on June 12, 1977. Dr. and Mrs. Russell loved to square dance, travel, and spend time at their vacation home at Goose Creek Resort. Though she was not blessed with children of her own, Lorraine cared for and loved many children throughout her life.
Lorraine was raised in Little Creek Original Free Will Baptist Church in Scuffleton where she was baptized, taught Sunday School, played the piano, was a member of the choir, as well as being active in many other church ministries and activities. After Dr. Russell was ordained as a minister, they went on to lead the congregation at Hugo Free Will Baptist Church in Grifton, NC for ten years.
She is survived by many first cousins including James Evan Ward, James Stuart Stocks, Rose Stocks Askew, Rhonda E. Moreen, and Teresa Stocks Aman. She is also survived by many more beloved cousins.
Lorraine is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Charles Edwin Russell and her parents, Heber and Marie Vandiford.
Her life will be remembered at a graveside service to be held 11 AM Monday, May 13th, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, North Carolina, with Reverend Philip Wood and Reverend Stanley Buck officiating. The family will receive friends by the grave side following the service and other times at the Russell residence.
Mrs. Russell will lie-in-repose on Saturday, May 11th, from 9 AM – 3 PM at Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service, 117 NW Third St, Snow Hill, NC for those desiring to pay their respects.
Flowers are welcome or contributions in her memory are encouraged to Hugo Free Will Baptist Church, 3122 Grifton Hugo Road, Grifton, NC, 28530.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylor-tyson.com
Arrangements entrusted to Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service of Snow Hill, NC
