Obituary of Janet "Jan" Rose Russell

Jan was born March 4, 1932 in St. Petersburg, Florida to Louise Branning Rose and Maurice B. Rose. She attended schools in St. Petersburg and graduated from Plant High School in Tampa, Florida in 1950. She married James R. Russell that same year. Born of that marriage were James S. Russell, Wendy L. Russell (Sexton) and Michael M. Russell. They divorced in 1973. Jan retired from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in 1996 after 23 years of service. She had the distinction of being the first female hired as a radio dispatcher in 1973. During her later years she also worked at the Cantonment Substation, and finally, manned the Front Desk at the Main Sheriff’s Office until she retired. Jan is survived by her sons, Jim S. (Terri) Russell, Michael M. Russell; daughter, Wendy (Kenny) Sexton and her grandchildren, Jason Barclay, Sean Sexton, Tammy and Sheila Russell and Scott Russell. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Bear. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.