Shirley J. (Jacobs) Russell

Reverend Shirley J. (Jacobs) Russell

Dedicated to Family and Community -

The Reverend Shirley J. (Jacobs) Russell, age 73, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Altoona and Mooresville, went home peacefully on Thursday, September 22, 2016.  Shirley was born on Monday, December 7, 1942 in Mechanicsburg to the late Leroy Samuel Jacobs and Mary Elizabeth (Fickes) Jacobs.  In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her brother, Leroy Jacobs.

Shirley’s survivors include her loving husband of 52 years, James “Jim” C. Russell; her three children: Sharon Russell of Ann Arbor, MI, David Russell of Mechanicsburg, Scott Russell of Harrisburg; and her grandson, Zachariah Russell of Mechanicsburg.

Shirley graduated from Mechanicsburg High School.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd.) and Masters of Education (M.Ed.) from Millersville State College.  Shirley went on to obtain her Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) from Lancaster Theological Seminary.  She served in many pastoral appointments over the years.  Shirley began at Wiest Memorial United Methodist Church in Schoeneck, PA in 1992 until 1994.  She went on to serve at Manor Hill Charge in Mooresville, PA from 1994 to 2001, where she worked at Manor Hill, Mooresville, Ennisville, and Wesley Chapel.  In 2001, Shirley continued her ministry at Wesley United Methodist Church and Asbury United Methodist Church in Altoona, PA until 2004.  She finished her pastoral work at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Altoona, PA.  Shirley retired from pastorate in 2010.

The Rev. Shirley touched many lives as both an educator and a pastor.  She was dedicated to her family and community.  Shirley served as a Girl Scout Leader, PTO president, Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher, and church camp counselor.  Mission and outreach were also important; she was active in many church organizations including United Methodist Women and CROP Walk.  Shirley staunchly supported the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Heifer Project International.

All are welcome to join Shirley’s family at her viewing on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 135 West Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Dennis R. Keller and Reverend Dr. David Reed officiating.  Burial will follow in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill.  Shirley’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the burial.

Contributions in celebration of Shirley’s life, in lieu of flowers, can be made to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068, www.UMCOR.com, Crop Hunger Walk, 28606 Phillips Street, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515, www.CropHungerWalk.org, Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202, www.Heifer.org, or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Shirley’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Shirley’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at www.Buhrig.com .