"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." -- Proverbs 31:25
Georgia Pierson Russell was born on November 5, 1929, to Judge Allen B. Pierson, Sr., and Mary Dean Smith Pierson of Ponchatoula and died at her home in Hammond on Monday, February 19, 2018. She was a model of grace and elegance in all that she did. Her family, her work, and her walk with Christ reflected her quiet resolve, dignity, and strength of character.
Mrs. Russell received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, and later earned a Master of Science from Louisiana State University. She enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an instructor in the Department of Home Economics (Family and Consumer Science) at Southeastern teaching Fashion Merchandising, Tailoring, and Interior Design after having taught at Ponchatoula High School. Mrs. Russell's strong belief in education was evident in the number of individuals she encouraged and mentored.
First Presbyterian Church in Hammond was her church home, and she served as a key contributor to the interior beautification of the Presbytere. Mrs. Russell was also well-known for her skills as a couture seamstress, and she took great pride in her longtime association with the Round Table of Hammond, of which she was one of twelve members.
Mrs. Russell is survived by her daughters, Mrs. Marsha Christopher and husband Sam of Irving, Texas, and Mrs. Nan Horton of Ponchatoula; grandchildren Laura Christopher Orgeron and husband Brian, Kyle Russell Clements and fiancée Diana Ivanov, Sarah Grace Russell, and Abigail Hope Russell; great-grandchildren Alyssa Russell and Brayden Orgeron; brother Allen B. Pierson, Jr., and wife Juanita; sister Elizabeth Pierson Riggs and husband Paul; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and former daughter-in-law, Amy Russell of Ponchatoula.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Dr. Walter L. Russell, Sr.; her son, Walter L. Russell, Jr.; her daughter, Mary Belle Russell; her father, Judge Allen B. Pierson, Sr.; her mother, Mary Dean Smith Pierson; her "second mother" Marguerite Powell Pierson; and sisters Mary Lou Pierson Scott and Nan Pierson Simmons.
The family of Mrs. Russell wishes to extend their appreciation to her caregiver, Ella R.Milton, for the love and devotion that she showed to Mrs. Russell for the last several years. The family also extends appreciation to Antoinette Hart and Georgia's caregivers for their devotion.
The family suggests donations to First Presbyterian Church or Southeastern Scholarship Fund for Dr. Walter L. Russell.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm & Thursday, February 22, 2018, 9:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church Hammond, 411 W. Charles St., Hammond, Louisiana 70401.
Interment will follow in Ponchatoula Cemetery, Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
