Mrs. Linda Rand Russell

Dowling Park, Fla.- Linda Rand Russell, 73, of Dowling Park, fell asleep peacefully in Jesus at her home surrounded by her family on August 2, 2023, and now awaits the return of her Lord. She was born September 22, 1949, m Presque Isle, Maine, to Wesley and Luona Rand, along with her twin brother, Lee Bradford Rand, who died of sudden infant death syndrome a few months after birth. Linda grew up on her father's potato farm in Ashland, Maine. She was always a "family favorite" due to her consistent concern for others and selfless nature. A Grand- Aunt, Sarah Bourdeau, recognized her musical talents and paid for piano lessons, which proved to be a major part of Linda's life ministry. Linda also played saxophone in the Ashland High School band, and the used instrument she played had the previous owner's name, L Russell,'" on the case, which would turn out to be prescient. After graduating from Ashland Community High School 1967, Linda attended Berkshire Christian College in Lenox, Massachusetts, where she met Richard (Dick/Dickie) Kenneth Russell, who was a ministerial student. Linda and her Dickie were married on August 2, 1969, in Linda's home church, Ashland Advent Christian Church, with Rev. Jack Jones officiating The couple immediately began serving the First Advent Christian Church UT Waycross, Georgia, and were there for 3 years. They They later accepted the pastorate for Calvary Advent Christian Church in Lenoir, NC. It was while they were in Lenoir that their first-born son, Jason Julian Russell, was born. The couple, and their new son, later moved to Charleston, WV, where they served in the First Advent Christian Church. It was later in 1977 that the Russells moved to Northern Maine to pastor the Crouseville Advent Christian Church, which returned Linda to her Northern Maine roots. It was while they were in Crouseville that their youngest son, Seth Richard Russell, was born in 1982. Linda taught at Washburn schools for many years, and the family settled into their home there. In 1995, Dick accepted the position as Director of Church Relations with the Advent Christian General Conference (ACGO), and couple moved to Charlotte, NC. While there, Linda taught at First Assembly School in Concord, NC. After retiring, they moved to the Advent Christian Village in 2018, while their two sons, and their families remained in Charlotte. Jason serves as minister of Hope Community Fellowship, and Dawn, his wife, serves as Head of School at Covenant Classical School in Concord, NC. Their two sons, Wesley and Logan both attend college locally. Seth, and his wife Kendra are raising their daughter Abigail and son Asher. Seth is a Vice President of Bank of America, and Kendra, also a gifted teacher, has homeschooled her two children since they were very young, and the family also serves faithfully in their local church. Linda and Dick would continually mention how blessed they were to see the gifts of leadership, servanthood, and selflessness so very evident in their sons and their families. Linda was a person who had great loves throughout her life. As much as she loved her family and proved it consistently, it did not compare with the love she had for her Lord and Savior. There were many examples of Jesus being with her and watching over her durıng her life in this earth, from miracle visitor to a hospital room, her waking from brain surgery and speaking of the conversations that took place during it, to everyday interactions with others. Like her Lord, she loved children, and many times led musical programs, while also teaching piano to many who shared her love of music. She knew her Dickie was an amazıng gift from God to her. Though from different parts of the country, their bond in Christ was unbreakable, and their love for and commitment to each other served as an example for us all. Linda's parents, Bink and Lou Rand. stayed with Dick and Linda in their Charlotte home many winters to escape the cold of Northern Maine winters. Her siblings always referred to her as "Dad's Angel," but Linda quickly dismissed it as simply a love for her parents, and Bink and Lou both certainly realized that love all the way to their deaths in 2015 and 2016 respectively. In addition to her beloved husband, her sons and their families, Linda leaves behind 3 siblings, and their families who adored her and will miss her greatly. Phyllis Rand lives A few houses down the street in the Advent Christian Village, Kay and her husband Cornell Knight, live in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Doug and his wife Sheri, live outside of Charlotte, NC. Linda loved her nephews, nieces, and their families very much and often talked about them and that great love for them and their families. Linda's cousins, and other family members will also miss the always welcoming presence of Linda. She and Dick also were and are blessed by many friends, their Church families and the evidence of those love relationships was demonstrably present during the cancer battle. Linda would be the last to fes she left a legacy on this earth, but all who knew her know much better. She will be missed beyond measure, but we know her Lord has not forsaken her in death, as He promised her He would not. Ours is not to say Good and Faithful servant, as she served us by serving Him. A celebration of life will be held on August 7, 2023, at the Bixler Memorial Church of Dowling Park, Florida, with Pastor Sam Worley officiating. A calling hour will precede the service. Interment will be held in East Dowling Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Rand Family Endowment at Advent Christian Village, PO Box 4305, Dowling Park, FL 32064 or Haven Hospice, 6037 W US Highway 90, Lake City,FL ,32055. For any questions please call Beggs Funeral Home Madison Chapel in Madison, FL, (850) 973-2258.

Mrs. Linda Rand Russell

September 22, 1949 - August 2, 2023