Mary Ann Kilpatrick Russell, 72, of Virginia Beach went to Heaven May 24th, 2020. Mom was born in Atlanta, GA to Martin Edward (Buster) Kilpatrick and Mary Hurt Clayton Kilpatrick. Mom attended and excelled at the Westminster School, received her BA at Emory University, and a double Masters at the University of Virginia where she began her French teaching career. Madame taught at Cape Henry Collegiate initially, and most recently as an adjunct professor at TCC Norfolk. Madame not only taught the language but shared her love of French culture and history, having studied and lived in France as a young woman. Mom was a lifelong athlete and fitness enthusiast, enjoying getting exercise and meeting new friends everywhere she went. Mom was a member of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, volunteering as an usher, Christmas Ministry and food pantry coordinator. Whether at school, church, or around town, when Mom met someone in need, she was driven to make sure they received help, and often created lasting relationships in fulfilling those needs.
Mom was especially proud of her three children: Anne Martin Davis (Macon), Clayton Russell (Lindsey), and Dr. Derek Russell (Tiffany) all of Virginia Beach. She was a loving Nana to her four grandchildren: Duncan, Charlotte, Magnolia, and Gareth. Mom never introduced herself by her name, but as our Mom or Nana, deriving pleasure in the connections her entire family created. Mom leaves behind a brother Mart Kilpatrick, and two sisters Melissa K. Davenhall and Nancy K. Rose. Mom also was a dog lover, enjoying many furry companions over time. We know that her previously deceased family and friends, as well as her furry friends, are all with her now in Heaven.
Teaching French at TCC Norfolk
Mary Ann Russell was a kind and inspiring teacher! Enrolled at TCC Fre101, she awakened my eagerness to keep learning and she was so alert, after repeating the students names upon one roll call. Her sincerity and derivation was true. May she rest in eternal power. God bless her family.
My condolences…was going to reach out to Madame Russell and am very sad to discover she passed. I took French from her at TCC Norfolk and she was one of my favorite instructors. She always spoke fondly of her family, especially Duncan, and her passion and love of the French language and culture was evident in her teaching. God Bless her and her family. Rest In Peace, Madame Russell.
I KNEW YOUR MOTHER AT EMORY DURING OUR COLLEGE YEARS. SHE WAS A VERY LOVELY YOUNG WOMAN, AND I HAVE OFTEN THOUGHT OF HER IN THE INTERIM. HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CHARACTER COME AS NO SURPRISE. IT WAS EVIDENT EARLY ON. MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU.
Tidewater Community College Class of 2019!!!
Sending love and light to the family of Professor Mary Ann Russell. I was thinking about her these past few months, and I wanted to reach out to check on her. I am shocked to hear of her passing in May of this year. Likewise, I still hold onto my notes, the textbook, and the education that Professor Russell has instilled in me. If it wasn’t for this amazing woman, I wouldn’t be where I am in my life currently. I will carry her spirit as I finish my education at ODU. À Plus Tard never Au Revoir!
TCC class of 2015. I still have her books and many of my notes. She changed my life more than I can explain. I still recount stories of my time in her classroom! I remember once she put on a short film around mid terms and sat back as she watched her students giggling. Maybe because we were learning, but the look in her eyes was that of simply enjoying our shared humanity. I’ve never stopped thinking about you Madame. 5 years and every few days I’m reminded of you. I know you’re teaching angels about French culture and showing Jesus pictures of your grandchildren and telling him all about how beautiful and smart Anne is and how accomplished Clayton is and how proud of Derek you are and all he’s done. If I become half the professor you are, I will have achieved more than I ever thought possible. Now you’re Resting. Shalom my mentor.
Mary Ann and I grew up together in Ansley Park, an old section of Atlanta developed circa 1910. Living only two streets apart, we had many little girl sleep-overs. And we were in the same Brownie Troup of the Girl Scouts of America at the First Presbyterian Church. I have been searching for a photo of us as Brownies that I treasure a lot to share with you. So far, can’t find it. But amazingly, I did find a March 1959 poem that Mary Ann wrote for a Westminster assembly program, and I can share that.
IN DAYS OF OLD
In days of old,
When knights were bold,
Before men rode in cars;
No one suspected
When Ike was elected
That we’d be seeing Mars.
I will miss seeing her at work. We often taught on the same floor, and she always had a smile and kind words when we passed one another in the hall.
So sad to hear of this loss, she was always so sweet to me and just loved her children and it was evident when I was around. You’ll be missed by some awesome posterity that I’m certain you’re proud of, you did a wonderful job.
Professor Russell, I am going to miss seeing you around campus. The news of your passing just crushes my heart. My condolences goes out to your family. Stay strong! It is a celebration of life. #TeamTCC