Kathy Sue (Pots) Russell

Russell, Kathy Sue (Pots), 65, born April 10, 1959, in Takoma Park, M.D., died July 15, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Russell joined the Carolina Conference in 2007 and served nearly 20 years as children’s ministries director. Prior to that role, she taught in seven schools across the Potomac, Chesapeake, and Carolina Conferences. She held degrees in music education and a Master of Education in music. Her ministry extended across classrooms, churches, and camp meetings, where she led children’s programs and music ministries. She conducted Sabbath School training across the Carolinas and developed resources to support local church leaders. In 2024, she was commissioned to gospel ministry at Lake Junaluska in recognition of her years of pastoral service to children. Russell was also the creator and voice of Kathy’s Kids StoryTime, a podcast sharing Christ-centered, character-building stories with children around the world. Her work reached thousands of listeners and continued to grow. She is survived by her husband, Rick, vice president for finance at the Carolina Conference; son, Bradley (Lesley); daughter, Grace; and grandson, Julian. She was preceded in death by her parents. Russell dedicated her life to helping children know and love Jesus. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the songs she taught, and the stories she told.