Darlene Hodge Russell

Mrs. Darlene Hodge Russell departed this life on Thursday, May 24, 2018. She was born to the union of Carter Jr. and Juanita Johnson Hodge on July 27, 1955, in Jefferson City, TN. Darlene was the second of seven children. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. Darlene attended Nelson Merry School, Jefferson Elementary School, and graduated from Jefferson High School. Darlene was active in the Girl Scouts, Upward Bound, Y-Teens, and the Drill Team of Jefferson High School. With a caring heart, she chose to work with the handicapped men at Douglas Cooperative, Inc. for 35 years, retiring in 2016 when she became ill. To balance the serious side of her life, she had a “fun” job at Dollywood, which she loved for 25 years. As a warrior in God’s Army, she believed there was a “silver lining” behind every cloud even until her dying day. Darlene was a proud member of Martha Davis Baptist Church. Growing up, Darlene was active in church activites including Sunshine Band, Baptist Training Union, and The Red Circle. She loved music and when the Youth Choir was organized, she joined and has been singing ever since. She served as director for the Youth & Young Adult Choir for over 31 years and was a strong alto singer in the Senior Choir for over 20 years. She was a member of the Courtesy Club and assisted on the churches Kitchen/Hospitality Committee. Darlene leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of over 25 years, Paul; her dog, Norwood; sisters, Pat, Kathleen, and Mary Ruth; brothers, Charles (Katrina), Johnny, and Carl; nephews, Tyrone (Margie) and Johnny C. (Celsey), Jaquann, Ja’King Hodge, and Adam Russell; nieces, Sparkle and Trinity Hodge; Godchildren, Whitney, Ja’Licia, Melvina and Jared; Adopted daughter and family, Shannon, Rusty, Shelbi, and Sarah Hall; Aunt, Helen Johnson; brother in-laws, Bryan (Cinderfeller) and David (Renee) devoted cousin, Frankie Henry, Special friends, Dawne Lewis, Rebecca Skeen, Joe Downs, Ruth Culpepper, Mikki Robinson, and Marshall Hill; special sisters, Katrina Capshaw and Alicia; and a host of cousins, other relatives, special friends (you know who you are), and friends. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Farrar Funeral Home with Rev. Nathaniel Wilson officiating. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. prior to the service. Family and friends will gather at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday morning at Jefferson Memorial Gardens for a 10:00 a.m. graveside interment service. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME IN JEFFERSON CITY, TN 865-475-3892 www.farrarfuneralhome.com