Adams announces the passing of Mrs. Carolyn Russell, 83, who transitioned on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Carolyn Hayes Russell was born March 13, 1935 in Savannah, Georgia to James and Thelma Hayes.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margie H. Polite and her brother James Hayes, Jr.

She married the love of her life, Paul Russell, on June 18, 1960.  This marriage of two fiercely independent spirits was a model of enduring love and mutual respect. At an early age she joined St. John Baptist Church, “The Mighty Fortress.”  Upon marriage, she transferred her membership to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church to bring Christian unity into the home. She was an active and devoted member of St. Matthew’s where she served in the St. Augustine’s Guild, the Altar Guild, St. Matthew’s Church Choir and formerly with the Church Vestry.

Carolyn Russell graduated from Woodville High School in 1953.  After graduating from high school, she attended Savannah State College (University) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.  In a quest for further knowledge, she continued her education at New York University and received a Master of Science degree.  Her30 year teaching career included service at Athens High School, Athens, GA, Cuyler Junior High, Wilder Junior High and Windsor Forest High in the Savannah Chatham County Public Schools System.  The youth she taught will always remember her unique and quiet way of imparting knowledge.

She was initiated into Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., at Savannah State College (now University) in 1956. Later, joining Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter where she achieved the status of Golden Life Member, after 50 years of sisterhood and service.  She was also a member of Savannah State University Alumni Association, Woodville-Tompkins Alumni Association, Chatham Retired Educators Association and Life Member of Georgia Retired Educators Association.  She was secretary and an active member of the Signs of the Zodiac Socio-Civic Club.

Carolyn H. Russell transitioned on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at Memorial Health University Medical Center.  She had an adventurous nature and traveled to all 48 of the contiguous United States with her sorority and club sisters. She also explored many of the Caribbean Islands with her brothers and cousin, Lillian.  She brought love and a sense of humor to Christmas with her brothers.  She will always be remembered for her studious, outgoing and witty character.

Mrs. Russell is survived by her loving husband, Paul Russell; devoted brothers, John Hayes of Miami, FL, Carl W. Hayes (Jean) of Savannah, GA, William Hayes (Earlene) of Bloomfield Township, MI; special cousins, Lillian Rivers and Mattie B. Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Adams announces the Funeral Services for Mrs. Carolyn Hayes Russell, 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 6, 2018 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.

Visitation: 6-8:00 P.M., Friday in the Adams Chapel.

Interment: Cherokee Hill Cemetery. Order Flowers and Sign Guestbook: www.AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com