Emma Russell, at the age of 79, passed away on Christmas Eve at her daughter’s home in Radford. A lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church, she leaves behind a legacy of love and service unto the Lord.
The youngest of six children born to Roy and Ora Lee Taylor on June 15, 1946, Emma exemplified the life of a true country girl. She was a passionate music lover, a nurturing caregiver, and a devoted servant of Christ. Emma was cherished as a sister, a mother, a grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.
After completing high school, she worked at Kemper Insurance in Richmond, where she gathered many stories and became familiar with all the counties and road names in the area, easily recalling them even after all of these years. Following her marriage to Ralph, the Russell’s moved from Roanoke to Elk Creek to be closer to their parents, living in the house in which she was born. There she raised her two beloved children, Tammy and Kirk, and was able to support her parents in their later years. Emma was deeply committed to her family. She worked hard in her country life and loved to garden and process home canned food. Apple cider production was a big deal in the Taylor family. Together they also planted tobacco, made molasses, ground pork for sausage, and processed deer from the many hunting excursions in the mountains. She was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever there was a need.
To stay close to her children, Emma took a job in the cafeteria at Grayson County High School, where she forged lasting friendships. A steadfast supporter of her children’s band activities, she cherished her role as a band mom for everyone involved. Music played a significant role in her life, and she fondly recalled her trips to London, Canada, Florida and New York as a chaperone for the high school band. Her favorite singer was Neil Diamond, while ABBA and Journey also held special places in her heart. Emma even had the unforgettable experience of seeing Elvis in concert! She loved all musicals (even CATS, haha) and spoke with joy about the love of music she instilled in her children.
Emma loved to watch the Dodgers play baseball. And trains? Well, she’d make you stop and pull over just to listen and watch whenever she heard one passing by. Her favorite card game was “May I”. Many laughs are remembered in the joys of these times playing cards together. In her later years, playful ‘cheating’ was to be found with the sharing of deuces. She cherished her time playing circle words, still enjoyed playing Scrabble, and even dabbled in cross-stitching in her later years. Another beloved country pastime was heading to the Cove to “look for deer”. She kept her camera ready just in case a bear appeared. She also enjoyed listening to bluegrass music in Flat Ridge on Saturday nights. She loved the ocean and even when it was difficult to put her feet in the sand and walk on the beach, she still wanted to try because she enjoyed it so much. “Just to see the water” she would express, cherishing God’s creation. All of God’s creatures also held a special place in her heart, (except snakes!) Emma easily made friends wherever she went, radiating kindness and love to everyone around her. She had a great sense of humor and a beautiful laugh. She brightened the lives of many. Her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Remarkably, the last words she wrote in her journal just hours before the Lord took her to glory were: “Thank You, Lord, for this day.”
She cherished her family, her children, and her five grandchildren dearly, always striving to love and support them in every possible way. She will be deeply missed. Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ora Lee Taylor; father of her children, Ralph Russell; sister, Scottie Haga; and sister-in-law, Charlotte Taylor.
Survivors include her daughter, Tammy McClellan (Quintin); son, Kirk Russell (Brandy); grandchildren, Micaiah, Isaiah, Idelette, Kylie and Skylar; brothers, Autry Taylor (Louise), Freel Taylor (Peggy), and Jim Taylor; sister, Nancy Bradley; brother-in-law, Harold Haga; several special nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. A memorial service will begin at 1 pm with Pastor Stephen Cornett officiating. Emma’s family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
