With great sadness, we announce the passing of Sara Marilyn Jones Russell, a devoted mother, grandmother and sister, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at age of 84 in Pensacola, FL, following a brief illness.

Born in Anniston, AL to Kathryn Florey Brown and William Stanley Jones on January 21, 1941, she is remembered for her compassion, quick wit and loyalty to her friends, neighbors, family and her pets. Marilyn was passionate about reading books, traveling, Auburn football, the beach, spending time with her grandchildren, her pets and going to Costa Rica where she owned a home.

While living in Mountain Brook, AL, she attended Crestline Elementary and Shades Valley High School where she was a member of Phi Kappa Nu Sorority. She graduated from Auburn University, with a BS in Business in August, 1961, and was a member of Phi Mu sorority. Marilyn married Donald Edward Russell in June of 1961. They lived in Kenitra, Morocco, while Don served in the United States Navy, and their daughter, Kathy, was born there in 1965. Upon returning to the USA, Marilyn and Don lived in LaGrange, GA, where their son Donald was born in 1966, then to Rome, GA and back to LaGrange. Marilyn later lived in Birmingham and in Pensacola Beach, FL. She was a member of the LaGrange Junior Service League, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Rome and St. Mark's Episcopal Church in LaGrange. She volunteered her time to many institutions including her church, Kirkwood by the River in Birmingham and served on the board at LaGrange Academy and Treehouse Townhomes HOA in Pensacola.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Donald Russell, Jr., of Pensacola; her daughter, Kathy Russell Dyleski (Chris) of Mentone, AL; her brother, William S. "Stan" Jones, Jr. (Robin Puryear) of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Kate Gorman Dyleski of Nashville, TN, Jones Christian Dyleski of Bristol, CT, and Lauren Kennedy Russell of Pensacola; as well as her beloved dog, Gracie.

A private burial will take place for the family. Details for a celebration of life gathering will be announced at a later time.

The family is grateful for the outpouring of love from friends. Memorial contributions, in her name, may be given to animal rescue, Two by Two Rescue at twobytworescue.com.