Funeral services for Carmen Martin Russell of Monticello are 11 a.m. on Monday, July 8, at Wilson Funeral Home in Monticello, with burial in Easthaven Cemetery in Brookhaven.

Visitation is Sunday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Russell, beloved mother, educator and wife, went to be with her Savior on July 4 at the age of 71. She was born in Bogalusa, La. to Flora and Gilbert Martin of Bogalusa.

She spent her young adult life serving the Calvary Baptist Church of Bogalusa, La. She spent numerous trips with her church as a young adult spreading God’s message. As an educator, Mrs. Russell began by teaching reading in Slidell, La., and after eight years, she relocated to Mississippi with her husband, Duane. After teaching for a few years, she became a counselor in the Brookhaven School District for 34 years. Mrs. Russell worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of all young children she encountered. No matter what age, background or circumstance, Mrs. Russell would always lend an ear or helping hand.

As mother, Mrs. Russell gave her unwavering love and sought to provide her children with every opportunity she could. As a lifelong partner to her husband, Duane, of 47 years, she provided her unconditional love and support. In retirement, she would visit classrooms to read to children and would greet newborns of family and friends with a sewn baby quilt.

She was a member of The Church of the Way in Brookhaven. Mrs. Russell was a member of the Eastern Star and actively involved in two sororities of the Brookhaven community.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Gilbert T. Martin and Flora McQuaig Martin, and son, Michael Duane Russell.

Survivors include her husband, Duane L. Russell of Monticello; sons, Ethan Alan Russell and wife, Bethany, of Northport, Ala., and David Duane Russell of Madison; brothers, Gilbert Thomas Martin Jr. of West Monroe, La. and Kenneth R. Martin Sr. and wife, Joy, of Vicksburg; sisters, Lola Custer of Manassas, Va. and Helen Fontenot of Bogalusa, La.; sister-in-law, Brenda Russell of Monticello; grandchildren, Kinsley Reagan Russell and Grayson Rylan Russell, both of Northport, Ala.; and a host of nieces and nephews.