Imogene Russ

Imogene Russ, age 93, was called home April 5, 2017. Born July 20, 1923 in Flomaton, AL to Eugene and Virgie Godwin.
Upon graduating from high school she moved to Pensacola to work at NAS in disbursement where she met the love of her life, Broward. They married in 1944. Together they built their first home on seven acres in Ensley where they gardened and had numerous farm animals, including 1000 chickens with which they started an egg business. During this time she also worked as a bookkeeper for seventeen years at Blackman Wholesale Co.
About 1960 they built a beach house in Gulf Breeze where they spent most weekends hosting fish frys for family and friends. Around 1966 they built their first permanent home in Gulf Breeze, leading the way for other family members to follow. About 1972, she started the first florist in Gulf Breeze.
In 1980 she and Broward became members of the First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze. She was very proud to be baptized together with her husband, daughter and grandson. She was an active member until she could no longer attend due to health. She frequently invited her Sunday School Class along with anyone from the church who would like to come to pick blueberries at their farm in Andalusia. They also were invited to fish at their fish camp and afterwards enjoyed a huge meal which she lovingly prepared for them. She hosted many family reunions where she loved making homemade ice creams, candies and always sent her guests home with a jar of homemade jelly.
Being with her family brought her the most joy. Her favorite pastime was to fish with Broward. She was the most devoted mother and daughter you could ask for and very best ever grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Broward, her beloved grandson, Daniel Russ Coleman, and two sisters, Eloise Turner and Myrtle Reynolds.
She is survived by her daughter Betty Jean Coleman and her special granddaughter Tamatha Jean Coleman.
The funeral service will begin at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze with a one hour visitation prior to the service. Pastors Joey and Rhonda Fulfur will officiate.
Special thanks to Bettye Skewes, for her faithfulness and for sending the many cards throughout the years. Special thanks also to Bettye Skewes, Elizabeth Holton, and Joann Brigman from the church for all the giggles and laughs we had during your visits. Mother always looked forward to seeing you. Special thanks to Dara Nix, who has been by our side for 3 years and made life much easier.

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
1:30 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
2:30 PM

Cemetery

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563