Obituary of Anna-M. Russell

RUSSELL Anna M. Russell, 93, passed peacefully at her home in Jacksonville, on April 1st, 2009. Family will be accepting friends on Sunday, April 5th from 2-5 p.m. at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, 32207. A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 7th at 10 a.m. at St. John's Cathedral, 256 E. Church St. Jacksonville, 32202. Entombment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Anna was born in Dawson, GA., and was a member of St. John's Cathedral. She received her Bachelor's Degree in 1938 at Georgia State Women's College in Valdosta and graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Service Administration in 1942 from the University of Chicago School Of Social Work. She was in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a member of the AAUW Educational Foundation for Graduate Women, and for some time was the only female Chief of Clinical Social Workers in N. Florida. Anna was proud of working for the Veteran's Administration from 1947-1978 and received a Commendation Award for her 32 years of dedicated service. She was also a social worker for the Emergency Room for Shands Hospital in Jacksonville. She loved nothing more than to care for and spend time with her family. She was an intricate member of the community and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Anna is predeceased by her parents John Edgar Mathews and Olive McLendon; and her loving husband, the artist James Russell. Anna has left behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Randee Bieler, Deborah Russell; brother, Ben Mathews; sister, Susan VanOrsdel; three grandchildren; and many treasured friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James and Anna M. Russell Camp Weed Fund c/o St. John's Cathedral, 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Arrangements are under the care and trust of Hardage Giddens Mandarin Chapel, 904-288-0025. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com