Rita Sims Russell, age 65, of Northport, AL passed away April 21, 2024 at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa.  Funeral services will be11:00 am Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Adam Swedenburg and Bro. Chad Manion officiating.  A private family service will be held in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. James Swedenburg officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation will be from 6 - 8 pm Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the funeral home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Woodrow Sims and Evelyn O'dean Wilkins Sims; grandparents, Abner Clester Wilkins, Trannie Lowe Wilkins, James Tommie Sims and Mary McDuff Sims; father-in-law, W. Scott Russell; brother-in-law, Ronald M. Russell and sister-in-law, Marianne Russell Nuzzo.
Survivors include her husband, Scott Russell; mother-in-law, Gen Russell; Godchild, Adam Swedenburg (Brandi); sister-in-law, Pamela S. Moore; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and the sisters she never had, Vicki Collier Latham and Mitzi Sims Gray.
Rita was born September 20, 1958 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  She was a member of Gordo First Baptist Church.   Rita was a 1976 graduate of Gordo High School and went on to achieve an Associate's Degree from Brewer State College. She continued to Auburn University where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Education, followed by a Master's. After graduating from Auburn, Rita began her teaching career at Valley High School in Valley, Alabama. She then followed Scott's Navy career to Jacksonville, Florida, where she performed bookkeeping and consulting services for Concept Homes/Massey Construction. After moving to Washington, Pennsylvania, she worked as a personal assistant for the law offices of Peacock-Keller.  She and Scott returned to the State of Alabama in 1996 where she began her career as an Aflac Sales Associate. At Aflac she served in various roles including District Sales Coordinator as well as the AL/W FL State Sales School Trainer for a number of years, training numerous sales associates whose careers continue to this day. Rita enjoyed attending Auburn Football Games and tailgating at her happy place, Auburn Legend's RV Resort. She and Scott also enjoyed fishing couple's tournaments around the State                                                      Pallbearers will be Don Driver, Toby Otts, Brad Swedenburg, Jeremy Manion, Justin Hamner and Bruce Hohler.  Honorary pallbearers include The Gordo High School Class of 1976 and her Aflac District Sales Associate Team.                                                                                                In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to New Hope Rescue, 451 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801.