Opal Russell

Our mom, Opal Ray Russell, faithful servant of the Lord and mighty prayer warrior, passed away at the amazing age of 102 and went to her heavenly reward on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, in the home of her eldest son, Ron Russell of Aransas Pass, Texas.

Opal was born to William Perry Ray and Julia Jones Ray in Van Buren, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of seventy-four years, Walter Don Russell; her grandsons, Joseph “Joey” Robert Carter and Jacob Urick, and three great grandbabies. Opal is also preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Wiley Ray and Viola Walters; and her son-in-law, Don Jones.

When Mom was young, she enjoyed hunting and fishing with her dad and even picked cotton beside him at eight years of age. She was a hard worker her entire life, even when she worked at Boeing as a riveter in Wichita, Kansas. She and our father met while she was living in Wichita. Dad was home on leave from the Navy at the time. When he laid eyes on her, he immediately knew that he had found his partner for life. They were married not three weeks later. To this blessed union were born Marlina Russell Jones, Ron Russell, Lavanda Russell Donnell, Deanna Russell Carter and Mark Russell.

Mom worked alongside Dad when he pastored several churches and on the mission field. She helped him found the Benito Juarez Orphanage in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, where she took care of several children. At Kings Way Missionary Institute where she took care of students’ children and later became the school’s dietician. Being idle was torture for her, she was always about the Lord’s work.

Left to treasure Mom’s memory are her children, Marlina, Ron, Lavanda, Deanna, and Mark. She was also blessed with twenty grandchildren, Lorra Brown, Aaron Jones, Anna Owings, Kenneth Russell, Bryan Russell, Aaron Russell, D J Estes, Eric Russell, Ryan Donnell, Kristal Urick, Stephen Barker, Julie Brand, Sean Donnell, Shea Donnell, Opal Juarez, Leah Roberston, Micah Carter, Joey Carter, Robby Russell, and Scott Russell. She also had fifty-one great grandchildren, eleven great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

She is now rejoicing in heaven with her husband and loved ones who’ve gone before. Mom had two favorite Bible verses: Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it, and they are saved.” and Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

A funeral service will be held at Center Church, 4801 North Cage Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577 at 6:00 p.m. on March 1st, 2025. Following the service, Opal will be laid to rest in a private, family ceremony at Rio Grande Valley Veterans State Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial donation to Family Ministries to Mexico, 3802 Lagos Verdes, Weslaco, Texas 78596 or Big Heart Orphanage, 119 West Gore, Pharr, Texas 78577.