Ollie Lee Russell

Ollie Lee Russell was born to the late Annie Lou Pierson and Pierce Lee September 6, 1948 in Union Springs Alabama.   The family relocated to Florida when she was a young child. 

Ollie was well known throughout the community, spending many years advocating and speaking about the history and rights of African Americans.  Her favorite quote was,” I didn’t go to college, but I am educated!”  She was double retired.   Ollie spent 18 years working for the Department of Defense on Eglin Air Force Base and 14 years as a bus assistant for Okaloosa County School District. 

Her love for the class of 1967 was indescribable.  She cherished and constantly spoke about each one of you and the memories that were shared.  Know you all were truly loved!

She leaves to cherish her memories three children, Adriane Lee and Bridgette Lee of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Andre Lee of Arlington, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jada Williams, Johnny (Jovi) Williams, Jermaine Lee, and Jermore Lee all of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Amiya Lee, Zaria Brown, and Andrea Lee all of Loganville, Georgia; one sister, Annie Collins of Crestview, Florida; one brother, William (Kathy) Lee) of Atlanta, Georgia; one special friend, (considered a sister) Melvie Jean Moody of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Also, three special friends Vivian Dortch, Linda Gale Hutchinson, and Adelle Thompson. She is preceded in death by three sisters, Margaret Ann Lee, Gladys Louise Riley, and Willie Mae Elder; one brother, William James Lee.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 from 10 am to 5 pm at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 113 NE Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.  A graveside service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 N Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Due to the conditions in place for the coronavirus response; there will not be a Traditional Funeral Service.  All friends and family are welcome during the visitation period.  Visitors will be limited to a maximum of 10 visitors at a time and must wear a mask. Visitors are asked to remember social distancing while in the funeral home.