Sarieta E. Russ

Sarieta Russ, 74, of Marianna, passed away peacefully following a brief illness at Jackson Hospital on December 21, 2025. Born as Sarieta Ann Mitchell to Judson Mitchell and Sara Greer Mitchell on December 7, 1951, in Marianna, Florida, she was their cherished only child. Sarieta graduated from Marianna High School in 1969. She then attended Chipola Junior College, where she was a cheerleader, earning her Associate of Arts Degree.

On February 14, 1970, she married the love of her life and began her family. She furthered her education at Florida State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1974, and later received her Master's in School Administration from Troy University in 1977. In 1989, she earned her ED Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from FSU. Sarieta dedicated her life to education, beginning her career teaching 5th grade in Grand Ridge, Florida. Over the years, she held various teaching positions at Chattahoochee Elementary, Riverside Elementary, Marianna Middle School, and Golson Elementary. Sarieta transitioned to administrative roles, serving as Principal at Golson Elementary, Graceville High School, Marianna High School, and Blountstown High School before retiring from the Calhoun County School System in 2003. She continued her passion for education as an adjunct professor in the Elementary Education Program at Chipola College in 2008, where she mentored and inspired young educators.

Sarieta and her husband, Rodney, shared thirty wonderful years together until his passing in 2000. In her retirement, Sarieta found joy in traveling with her children and grandchildren. Affectionately known as "Wewe" or "Ma" to her grandchildren, she was a devoted presence at every event, dance recital, and soccer game for Maggie and Judson. She enjoyed cruises and traveling to the beach, lake, and mountains.

Sarieta is preceded in death by her parents, Judson and Sara Mitchell, and her husband, Rodney Russ. She is survived by her children, Alanna Russ and Mitchell Russ, both of Marianna; her grandchildren, Maggie Russ of New York City and Judson Russ of Marianna; special friends, Janet Young and Jeanie Burleson, and a host of beloved cousins, friends, and extended family.

A special thanks to the staff of Chipola Medical Associates and Leigh Ann Spooner of Jackson Hospital.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, December 27, 2025, at James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Rev. Chris Franklin officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Friday, December 26, 2025, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.