Melba V. Russell

Mrs. Melba V. Russell, daughter of Joseph and Isabella Blanton Vinsett passed away January 16, 2021 at the age of 95. She was born December 7, 1925 in Gaffney, South Carolina and lived a long and faithful life.  She was the youngest daughter of ten children. She married Jennings Russell in 1949 after he returned from WWII and they lived their whole life together in   Union, South Carolina.

Mrs. Russell was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Union where she taught an adult Sunday school class for 60 years.  This was one of her greatest joys along with other social activities. Throughout her years she was a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Red Hat and Purple Dress organizations, Daughters of the American Revolution, various Garden clubs, and a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society and Wallace Thompson Hospital.  She particularly enjoyed mission trips in the U.S.A. and in Australia.

Mrs. Russell is survived by a son and a daughter, 3 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren, and several friends especially Cherie Bumgarner who has been a tremendously help over the last several years since her children live out of state.  Her son, Joel Glenn Russell, now resides in Houston, Texas with his wife Connie. Her grandson, Chad and his wife, Wendy,

and their two sons, Jacob and John Gavin live in Union, South Carolina.  Her other grandson, Jason, lives in Orlando, Florida and she also has numerous other great-grandchildren.

Her daughter, Donna Russell Cooper, lives in Johnson City, Tennessee with her husband Dr. Marc Cooper.  Her granddaughter, Emily is married to Jimmy Hortman and live in Myrtle Beach with their two children Elisabeth Grace and Catherine Mae.

Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, the family will hold a private graveside service. Those wishing to pay their respects to Mrs. Russell may do so on Wednesday at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615 or to a charity of one's choice.