Former school board member passes away at 75
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mildred Russell, who served a little over a year on the School Board of Alachua County after being appointed to the board by Governor Ron DeSantis, died today after a battle with cancer.
Russell started Miracle Life Ministries with her husband in 1990. The couple started churches in Athens, Georgia and Oxford, England and have ministered across the world. Before being appointed to the school board, she volunteered on Front Porch Florida and was a tutor at Duval Early Learning Academy.
Rusty, Mildred’s husband of 50 years, announced her death on Facebook with the declaration that it was “a glorious Day for her.” In his post, he wrote that she was “a loving wife, mother, homeschool teacher, friend and we worked in the ministry together… She served in the Republican Party of Florida from 1988 to present. She was a precinct leader, Chairwoman of the ACREC for many years, State Committee Woman for our county to the State for 13 years.”
Russell was appointed to replace Diyonne McGraw on the School Board after the Governor declared McGraw’s seat vacant because she did not live in her district. McGraw ran again in 2022, after the district lines were redrawn, and defeated Russell.
As a School Board member, Russell was perhaps best known for making a motion to fire former Superintendent Carlee Simon on March 2, 2022; two other board members joined her in passing the motion.
Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton wrote on Rusty Russell’s page: “Mildred and I shared the same faith and became great friends when I started at the Supervisor of Elections Office back in 1993. She would bring my dear Abby to the office for visits and we would often have prayer time. I have photos and memories. I am so blessed that I have those memories and even in recent months had the opportunity to pray with her over the phone. She was a special lady with a heart for people and her desire to see soul’s saved and brought to Jesus Christ.”
We will miss you, Mildred. 😢
She was such a sweet, kind person….I remember meeting her decades ago and was moved by her loving approach to everything. She was an earthly model of Christ. Rest in Peace, Mildred. You made a difference.
She exemplifies grace and kindness in her interactions with every individual she encounters. She demonstrates a fervent dedication to advocating for children and those who are disadvantaged. Her unwavering faith serves as the foundation for her daily actions. She not only preaches but also practices what she believes. She leads by setting the example she wishes to see in others. Her absence will be deeply felt throughout our community, across all levels. I wish you the utmost fulfillment on your promising journey, and if I am fortunate enough, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet you once more.
Mildred was indeed a kind-hearted, smart and service-oriented lady. She loved God and cared about people and spent her life demonstrating that she cared.
I will miss her. She is fully Healed. I am happy for her that she is in Heaven, not suffering any longer.
Mildred was a woman after God’s own heart. She was a very close and precious friend to me. There are no words to describe to depth of love and wisdom she added to my life. I am forever changed by knowing her and Rusty. Their example has changed me.
Rest in peace, Mildred.