Julia Ann Russell, age 82, of Gurdon, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at her home.  She was born May 4, 1938, in Gurdon, the daughter of the late Bruce E. and Berniece Clark Freeman, Sr.  Julia was a graduate of Gurdon High School and Henderson State University.  She worked for the Central Arkansas Development Council and was the Director of Senior Adult Programs in Central Arkansas.  Julia was a member of Beech Street Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.  She enjoyed shopping, reading and worshipping the Lord in her free time.  Julia was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Kirby Stroud, and her husband Jim Russell.

Survivors are one daughter, Susan Jackson (Jeff) of Gurdon, one son, Greg Stroud of Gurdon, one brother, Bruce E. Freeman Jr. (Nancy) of Colleyville, TX, one sister, Sarah Cox (Bubba) of Gurdon, three grandchildren, Jordan Gross (Michael) of Cabot, Jo Beth Jackson of Gurdon and Ali Marie Stroud of Gurdon, five great grandchildren, Chase, Julianne and Cole Gross, and Alice and Remi Tackett .

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, January 15, 2021, at Beech Street Baptist Church with Bro. David Graves and Randy Cox officiating.

Mrs. Russell will lie in state from 1:00 PM until service time at the church on Friday.

Interment will be in Center Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Beech Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 408, Gurdon, AR 71743.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.