Miss Forest Jean "Flora" Russell

Forest Jean “Flora” Russell, 62, of Forrest City, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Born on March 10, 1963, in Forrest City to the late Eugene Russell and the late Martha Mae Jones Russell, she graduated from Forrest City High School in 1981. She devoted much of her career to the Forrest City School District, working in the Alternative Learning Environment and as a substitute teacher, where her dedication and compassion touched the lives of countless students and families.

A woman of deep faith, Forest accepted Christ at an early age at Redeeming Christian Spiritual #1 and later became an active member of Prosperity Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully as choir director, chairman of the Missionary Department, and as a missionary, forming special bonds with the church’s children through her warmth and care. She found great joy in praising the Lord, spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, singing, and sharing fellowship with family and friends. Her vibrant personality, nurturing spirit, and quiet strength made her a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her.

Forest was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Margaret Austin Russell, Helen Russell Brown, and Ruby J. Russell Williams; one brother, Larry Russell; and two grandchildren, Treykal Billups and Austin Russell. She is survived by her children, Carlos (Krystal) Russell of Regal, Minnesota, De’Andrew Russell of Forrest City, and Danielle R. Russell of Forrest City; fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Bobbie Russell, Jessie Russell, Ora Russell, and Doris (Kem) Austin, along with a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and many others whose lives she touched. Her life of love, service, and unwavering faith will remain a cherished memory in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.