Dora Leigh Russell

Dora Leigh Russell, 83, of Salem, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 23, 2011. She was the baby of 12 children, and throughout life was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Professionally, she was retired from the Norfolk Southern engineering department after over 30 years of service. As an esteemed member of the National Association of Railway Business Women, she held every one of its leadership positions both locally and nationally, and was named Woman of the Year in 2003. Her faithful church membership was held at Rosalind Hills Baptist Church where, as an ordained deacon, she was active as a church clerk, choir member, and participant on various committees. She was also very dedicated in her volunteer work with Relay for Life and the Multiple Sclerosis Board. Preceding her in death were her parents, W. L. and Dora Hart Sturgill; husband of 40 years, Dwaine H. Russell; son, John C. Russell; 4 brothers; and 7 sisters. Her surviving family includes her daughter, Nena R. Akers and husband, Rick, of Salem; grandchildren, Christopher D. Russell of Texas, Kevan K. Russell of Texas, Travis J. Akers of Florida, and Dustin R. Akers of Roanoke; great-grandchild, Tallan D. Akers of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews of Salem and Chilhowie. A period of visitation will be held on Monday, December 26, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 2 p.m. in the funeral homes chapel. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. Rick Brown will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Mrs. Russells name may be made to either Good Samaritan Hospice at 2408 Electric Road in Roanoke, VA 24018 or to the Alzheimers Association at 2728 Colonial Avenue Southwest, Roanoke, VA 24015. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.johnmoakey.com. The Russell family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home at Crematory in Salem, 540-389-5441.