The Reverend Virginia Helms Russell died on December 10, 2012 in Asheville, NC. She was raised in Smithfield, NC, and most recently resided in rural Polk County.

Ordained a Presbyterian (USA) minister in 1987, she served with her husband as co-pastor of McConnellsburg United Presbyterian, McConnellsburg, Pa. and Yorkminster Presbyterian, Yorktown, Va.; as parish associate of Waldensian Presbyterian, Valdese, N.C., and First Presbyterian, Hampton, Va.; and most recently as interim pastor of West Avenue Presbyterian, Gastonia, N.C.

Jenny, as she was known, graduated from Duke University and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. Infused with a positive spirit, she touched the lives of many though her ministry, friendship and hospitality.

Survivors include her husband of 26 years, the Reverend T. Feild Russell; daughters, Kathryn Helms Russell and Anna Feild Russell; parents, Earl and Dorothy Helms of Smithfield, NC; sister, Janis Helms of Raleigh, NC; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 15, at Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese, N.C.

A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to any of the churches Jenny so faithfully served, or to an animal welfare agency.