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Celebrating the life of

Sharon Elaine Forbes Russell

April 23, 1946 - June 26, 2024

Sharon Elaine Forbes Russell

Sharon Elaine Forbes Russell, 78, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024 at Hospice of Savannah with her family by her side. 

A lifelong resident of Savannah, Sharon was born on April 23, 1946 to the late John J. Forbes, Sr. and Loreta Sikes Forbes Felix. She attended Cathedral Day School and graduated in 1964 from St. Vincent’s Academy. After working in the Finance industry for several years, she began her career with State Farm Insurance Company as a secretary in 1973.  She was later promoted to Claim Representative and retired as an Attorney Negotiator in 2008. Sharon trained and counseled many of her co-workers over her 35-year career whether they needed it or not. And as we all knew, you could agree with her or you could be wrong!

In her free time, she enjoyed playing bingo, spending time with family and watching the Hallmark channel. Sharon will always be remembered as a very loving, devoted and generous daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.  

Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Loreta Sikes Forbes Felix and John J. Forbes, Sr, her son, John Barry Russell, and her brother Matthew Scott Forbes. She is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, John E. Russell, her daughter and son in law Michelle Russell Bills Wilcox and Wade Wilcox; daughter in law, Dawn Crowe Russell; siblings, John J. Forbes, Jr. (Mary), Franklin Forbes (Barbara), Michael Forbes (Donna), Donna Sheffield (Michael), Larry Forbes (Sherri), and Angela Forbes Thompson; grandchildren Brandon Bills, Chandler Bills(Lennox), Isabelle Russell and Madeline Russell; great granddaughter and the apple of her eye Declan Stella Bills; uncle, Charles Sikes; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family expresses sincere gratitude to the nursing and physician staff at Memorial Health University Medical Center ICU, the staff at Hospice of Savannah and her loyal and devoted caregiver Veronica Alifirenko. 

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024 at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024 at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist with burial to follow in Greenwich Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.

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Michelle.. . We want you to know how sorry & devastated we are to hear of Sharon’s passing. Your mother was such a beautiful person.. on the inside as well as the outside. She had a heart of gold & such a loving & kind spirit. We have such wonderful memories of your mom! She will definitely be missed by all who knew & loved her. If we can do anything, please let us know. Our prayers are with you & your family. May God’s love heal your broken hearts & give you strength in the days ahead. We loved her dearly & will miss her, too. Love.. Jan & Tom

- Tom & Jan Russell, Savannah, Ga

Our sorrow as well as yours. We loved Sharon here in Harmony & shared meals & some musical programs together. Your kindness & helpfulness back in winter during Joy’s fall is remembered Michelle. Carry on in God’s grace.

- Everett & Joy Tumblin, Savannah, GA

I met Mrs. Russell through my friendship with her son Barry. She was always so very nice to me. What a wonderful lady and mother. Rest in peace Sharon and Barry.

- Stephen Herb, Savannah, Ga.

I attended Cathedral Day School and St. Vincent's Academy with "Forbsie". She was a beautiful and gentle soul. She had a quiet wit that would keep me cracked up. Although I have not spoken to her for many years, the camaraderie gained during our Catholic school journey made warm and happy memories. Prayers are offered for this loving and strong family. I remember most affectionately her wonderful parents. RIP

- Margie Tracy, Blairsville, Georgia

Jimmy,sincere sympathy on the loss of your sister. The Forbes family are in my prayers.

- CAROLYN Louise EMERICK, SAVANNAH, GA

My girl had such a big kind heart,we shared many conversations and more laughter than you could imagine. Family is a great word us,rest now my sister from another mother. As we always would say when we leave each other for the week...love you.

- Valarie Jolane Shavers, Savannah, GA

Cousin Sharon was a fine woman. I know she will be missed. I have such fond memories of the old days when the family was forever having get-togethers. Getting to see all of the aunts and uncles and cousins was great. But things change. May God bless the Forbes family. I love you guys.

- Rusty Sikes, Savannah, Georgia

I'm so sorry to hear about Sharon, your Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother, Sister was a wonderful person. Sharon has always been nice to me and every now and then I could catch up on what was going on with the family.

- Brenda Hewett Watson, Guyton, Ga

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200