Noel Monaghan Russell passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 19, in Stuart, FL after suffering complications from a heart attack several days earlier.

Noel was born in Clarksdale, MS on June 24, 1955 to Mr. & Mrs.  James A. Russell, Jr. and raised on his family's farm near Jonestown, MS.  Attending Jonestown Elementary School, he went on to graduate from Lee Academy in 1973 before studying history at Rhodes College, graduating in 1977 and being inducted into Alpha Beta Kappa.  He received a master's degree from Delta State University in history in 1983.

Pursuing a career as a teacher, Noel moved to south Mississippi in 1982.  Over the span of nearly 20 years, Noel taught history, as well as, acted as a administrator at several schools in the region, including Rebul Academy, Union Academy and Sylva-Bay Academy.  As with such roles, Noel impacted many lives in an effort to impart wisdom and direction on his students.

For the past 20 years, Noel has resided in Stuart, FL, working for many years at a local book store, through which he made many friends in the area.  Having retired several years ago, Noel remained active, reading history and actively collecting select antiques.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kimbriel Richard Russell.  He is survived by his sister, Mary R. Sawyer, of Stuart, FL and a brother J. Alcorn Russell, III, of Lyon, MS, as well as, nieces Helen Russell and Mary Kathryn Burge of Hattiesburg, MS and nephew John E. Sawyer of Denver, CO.

A beloved brother, uncle and friend, Noel was taken too soon but will remain a cherished influence on all who knew him.