Vera M. Russ

Vera M. Russ, 92, of Belvedere, SC, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026 at her home. Funeral Services will conducted Monday morning, August 3rd, at 11 o’clock from St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Joseph Shippen officiating. Interment will follow in Pineview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday afternoon, August 2nd, from 3 until 5 o’clock. A lifelong resident of Belvedere, Vera was a woman whose life was defined not by what she sought for herself, but by what she so freely gave to others. Born in 1933 on Veterans Day during the Great Depression, Vera's life was shaped early by both hardship and resilience. She was the daughter of a veteran, the sister of a veteran, and the wife of a veteran, instilling within her a deep appreciation for faith, family, sacrifice, and service. As a young girl, she endured profound loss when her twin brothers died shortly after birth and later when her beloved sister, Elizabeth, passed away from meningitis. Those early experiences taught her compassion, perseverance, and the immeasurable value of family. Though she knew sorrow, Vera never allowed it to overshadow the joy she found in life. She often shared cherished memories of her childhood—walking barefoot through the grass, playing in the snow, strolling in the rain, visiting friends, soaking up the sunshine, and spending time by the ocean. She carried those simple pleasures with her throughout her life and never lost her appreciation for God's creation. Vera was a faithful member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, where her quiet faith guided the way she lived each day. She was the devoted matriarch of her family, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest happiness came from caring for those she loved. Her home was always filled with warmth, delicious meals, homemade baked goods, and an open heart. She loved cooking, baking, crafting, bowling, and spending time outdoors, especially fishing, where she found peace and contentment. As her children grew older, Vera discovered a new creative passion and became a skilled florist. Her talent for arranging flowers reflected her gentle spirit and eye for beauty, bringing joy to countless celebrations and special occasions. Above all, Vera treasured her family. She was endlessly proud of her children and grandchildren, encouraging them with quiet wisdom, unconditional love, and steadfast support. Her generosity, humility, and nurturing spirit touched every life she encountered. She never asked for much for herself, finding her greatest fulfillment in giving to others. In her final years, Vera was lovingly cared for in the home of her daughter, where they shared precious conversations, laughter, and memories through extraordinary times, including the challenges of the pandemic and Hurricane Helene. Those moments became treasured gifts that her family will carry with them forever. Vera's life was a beautiful example of grace, resilience, and unconditional love. Though her family grieves her passing, they find comfort knowing she has been reunited with those she dearly missed, including her beloved husband, her mother, and her sister. Vera was preceded in death by her parents Hezikiah “Ki” Miller and Sallie Garnto Miller; her husband, Charles Leon Russ, Sr.; her brother, Heulan Prentice Miller; and her sister, Elizabeth Miller. Surviving family members left to cherish her memory include her children, Angie Russ Lively (James), Lisa Russ, and Charles Leon Russ, Jr. (Vickie); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Ford, Joseph Ford (Rebecca), Meridith Lively, Sam Lively, Holland Lively Peck (Jordan), Chris Reynolds, and Jennie Wilson (Daniel); her great-grandchildren, Parker Mills Ford, Zada Lively, Hunter Reynold, and Carter Reynolds; her special nieces, Tami Miller Martin (Jeff) and Amy Richardson; her great-nephews, Daniel Hager (Lindsey) and Chad Hager (Sidni); a host of other nieces and nephews; and her granddog, Tucker. Pallbearers will be Jeff Martin, Daniel Hager, Chad Hager, Kenneth White, and Andy Buchanan. Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta is in charge of arrangements (803)278-1181.

Vera M. Russ

November 11, 1933 - July 29, 2026