Dr. Gail S. Russell, 78, of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away, on April 13, 2026, peacefully in her home, surrounded by family. She was born on May 28, 1947, in DeFuniak Springs, FL, to Clydus and Mercer Sherrer. She spent her early life at various locations where Mr. Sherrer served in the military which resulted in her attending first grade in three different states.

Gail graduated high school in Troy, AL. After graduation, she attended Florida State University as a Merit Scholar majoring in Geology. There she earned an advanced degree for her work in the Alabama Piedmont. After a post-doctoral appointment at Virginia Tech, she accepted a faculty position at The University of Southern Mississippi and continued her investigation into the Geology of the Southern Appalachians. She led numerous field trips with students, both in the southern Appalachians and in Scotland. Gail was active in the faculty senate and served as Chair of the department.

Other than geology, Gail loved reading, crocheting, music, and sailing. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining friends and family. She taught a Shotokan karate class for several years at USM. She continued training with the Gulf Coast Shotokan Karate Club after retirement from USM advancing to second degree black belt.

Gail is survived by her husband of 52 years, C. Winston Russell; two sisters, Carol Zarantanello and Linda Ledford; one son, Allen Russell; two stepchildren, Joe Russell and LeeAnn Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The MIND Center at The University of Mississippi Medical Center, https://www.umc.edu/Development/How/Funds/MIND-Center.html in honor of Dr. Gail Russell.

A celebration of life service will be held at Forrest Funeral Home in Hattiesburg, MS on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with a celebration of life to follow at 11:00am in the Forrest Chapel.