VELMA A. RUSSELL 90 Oblong, Illinois

VISITATION: 6 - 8 P.M. Tuesday March 16, 2004 Pulliam Funeral Home - Oblong AND Wednesday Noon to time of service at the church

FUNERAL: 2:00 P.M. Wednesday March 17, 2004 at First Baptist Church - Oblong

MEMORIALS: First Baptist Church - Oblong, with envelopes at the funeral home and church and also can be mailed to the funeral home

Velma A. Russell, 90, Oblong, Illinois died Sunday March 14, 2004 at Cotillion Ridge Nursing Center, Robinson, Illinois. Velma was born in Crawford County, Illinois on April 4, 1913 and was the daughter of Sylvester Littlejohn and Hazel (White) Littlejohn. On October 29, 1932 she married George Russell who died in November of 1974. Velma was a cook at the Bend Grade School and later as a cook at the Hi-Way Cafe, Oblong, IL. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Oblong where she served for many years as Woman's Missionary Director and Vacation Bible School teacher. Velma's hobbies included sewing, flowers, vegetable gardening and her family.

Velma is survived by son and daughter-in-law Bill & Volieta Russell; daughter and son-in-law Thelma & Ray Baker; seven grandchildren Carla & Kelly McKinney, Melinda & J. D. Strain, Delane & Karen Baker, DeAnn & Jim Knollenberg, DeEtta & Doug Casey, Denise & Chris Kramer and Deon & Katie Baker; 13 great grandchildren; sister Vera Mae Tracy; five step-grandchildren Jason & Jenny McKinney, Denise & Ron Barbee, Cheryl Penndleton, Kevin Penndleton and Kimberly & Tony Fowler; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Velma's parents, husband, one daughter Emma Mae, one brother Forrest Littlejohn, one granddaughter Stephanie Russell and one great granddaughter Courtney Kramer precede her in death.

Burial will be in Berlin Cemetery, rural Oblong, Illinois.