Obituary of Tyminda Tinnie Russell 1/22/2021

Tinnie was the oldest of 4 children born to Gray and Shirley Wilson. He father was in the Air Force and they lived in Alaska, (where Tinnie was born), Oklahoma, and Warner Robbins, GA before her Dad retired and settled on the family farm in her parents' home city of Bristol, TN.

Farm life gave Tinnie the foundation of a good work ethic, responsibility, hospitality, and organizational skills that would carry her throughout her whole life.

She graduated from Graham Bible College, Bristol, TN with a Bachelors in Biblical Education. It was here that she met her husband, Daren Russell, from Charlotte, NC. They graduated from college on June 1, 1984 and got married on June 2, 1984, young and bright-eyed for what lay ahead of them for the future.

They lived 9 months in Charlotte, NC before moving to St. Louis, MO where Daren graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary in 1990. This became the beginning of serving full-time in ministry together – Daren, the Pastor and Tinnie taking care of the Pastor as the wonderful Pastor's wife she was. They served churches in Rock Hill, SC, Hopewell, VA. For the last 20 years they have served in Garden City, GA at Chapel-in-the-Gardens Presbyterian Church, (PCA).Tinnie was never one to be in the spot-light but quietly worked behind the scenes to assist her husband in ministry and care for those in need.

Tinnie possessed many gifts and talents. She loved to cook, bake, and sing. However, one of her greatest gifts was the gift of hospitality. When people came to the home for a visit or a meal, it seemed that they never wanted to leave! She made them feel welcome and sought to meet their needs while in her home. One example of her love for others was in preparing meals for others. For over 10 years she kept a starter for Amish Friendship Bread making well over 1,000 loaves, to give away to others.

Tinnie deeply loved her children. She put her education to work by homeschooling them. She taught them both how to read and write, and instilled a love for learning within them. While Tinnie did work outside the home at various points in her life, her true passion was caring for of her family. Her children were her shining stars in her eyes and she was very proud of them.

Tinnie's greatest quality was her Christian faith. He mother guided her and prayed for her and her siblings. Tinnie's authentic faith resonated in her service to Christ and love to others. She was involved in Bible Study Fellowship for many years in St. Louis and Savannah. She took part in the women's work in every church her husband pastored, including teaching, fixing meals, counseling, and praying for others. She was a prayer warrior and kept a prayer journal for many years and followed a Bible reading plan every year. At Chapel she served as the Chairman for the Ellen Wing Circle and encouraged her ladies in their spiritual walk and fellowship. He faith was even more evident in how she handled her breast cancer. She was a 6 year breast cancer survivor.

Her pleasures were simple ones: morning coffee with her husband; Bible reading and prayer; singing hymns and silly songs; watching the blue birds return every year in the bird house in the back yard; watching the cardinals and other birds at the bird feeders; a clean house; sharing meals with family and friends; and spending time with her children. The greatest thing about Tinnie was her faith and love for Jesus. Her testimony as an authentic Christian will outshine her cooking and hospitality. It was her Christian faith that made the cooking and hospitality so exceptional because she had the heart of Jesus, and strove to share her faith with others.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is now in the presence of her Savior, whom she loved and served.

She is survived by her husband Rev. Daren L. Russell, children, Hannah G. Russell, Zachary L. Russell; her parents Lloyd G. Wilson and Shirley Payne Wilson; siblings Gray Wilson (Jenny), Mark Wilson (Shelia) and Linda Lindamood (Greg); several nieces and nephews and grandnieces.

Gifts and remembrances may be sent to Chapel-in-the-Gardens Presbyterian Church, Garden City, GA

"She has crossed over the river

and rests under the shade of the trees

by the Celestial Mountains.

She has heard her Savior say,

'Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Enter into the rest prepared for you'"