Imogene "Jean" Russell, better known as "Buddy", passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026 surrounded by her family at home.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 02, 2026 at Newton County Funeral Home - North. Burial will follow in the Newton County Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Monday, June 01, 2026 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Imogene Rigdon Russell was born October 25, 1922 to her parents, Eugene and Ella Mae Rigdon at Union. She attended school at Union Public School where she was very active in sports, in basketball and tennis. She was married to Norris Amos "Rusty" Russell for over 50 years. They were blessed with five children, and numerous grands, great, and great-great grandchildren. She worked several places in her working years but will be remembered for her job as cafeteria manager at Decatur High School and Newton County Elementary. She was a longtime member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church.

She is preceded by her parents, her husband, and her siblings, Inez Lokey, Margaret Hurt, Harold Rigdon, Howard Rigdon, and Quent Rigdon. Her son-in-law, Cobert Cleveland, two grandsons, William Cobert and Carl Amos Cleveland, and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Norris and Wynner Charles Russell precede her in death. Special friends Sam and Ruby Chaney, and Liza Lee Stamper also precede her in death.

Survivors include her children, Carlene Cleveland, Jerry Russell (Cookie), Scotty Russell (Colette), Terri Russell, and Cindy Thompson (Kenneth); nineteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, great-grandsons, and great-great grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

Newton County Funeral Home - North, 9998 Hwy. 15 N., Newton, is in charge of arrangements.