Jean Kennedy Russell

Jean Kennedy Russell, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on October 18, 2022, at the age of 95 years and 8 months. She was born on February 8, 1927, to Earl and Bertha Kennedy in East Prairie, MO.

Jean worked as a Youth Counselor for the Missouri Division of Youth Services and retired in 1992. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff, where she loved her church family and Sunday School class. Her love for Jesus was primary in her life and she strived to be positive in her thinking. Jean enjoyed traveling with her good friends to Great Britain, Europe, and Canada; cooking; playing bridge; and china painting.  Most of all she enjoyed being with her family and friends – she loved her family and many friends dearly.

Jean is survived by her two daughters, Gail Kennedy of Goodyear, AZ, and Jill Styles (Herman) of Poplar Bluff; two sisters, Betty Sewell, and Nancy Moore; five grandchildren, Ben Clarkson, Caroline Barrett (Greg), Rachel Dobson (Mark), Ryan Combs (Natalie), and Renee Crayton (Justin); seven great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and six brothers.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 10:00am at First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff. Celebration of Life will follow beginning at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral  & Cremation Services is proud to serve the family of Mrs. Jean Kennedy Russell. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.