Russell Sterling Woodson , age 73, made his transition to heaven from the Salem Memorial Hospital on December 17, 2018 with his wife Velma and sister Diane at his side. He was born November 1, 1945 in Alexandria, Virginia to Truedell Woodson and Andrew Thomas. Coming from Delaware he has been a resident of the area for 3 years.

Russell was educated in the Elizabeth, New Jersey, school system until the sixth grade where he made the choice to quit school to help care for his siblings. He then relocated to Salem, New Jersey, where he secured a job with the H.J. Heinz Company until it closed in 1977. Afterwards he had short-term employment with Erdner's, Town and Country Plants until his employment at BFI Trucking in Pedricktown, New Jersey.

Russell relocated to Delaware to pursue employment with BFI Waste Management. In spite of his limited education, one of his greatest accomplishments was his ability to obtain his CDL license to become a long-haul truck driver. He was a driver until it was apparent that Russell was ill. Even though he was no longer able to drive, he secured employment at Wawa as a maintenance technician until his early retirement.

Russell spent the rest of his life with his wife Velma of over 40 years. They began serving their family and community in their home. It was called The House That God Built Cell Ministries. Russell enjoyed frying chicken and playing the guitar. They also attended First Assembly of God in Salem, New Jersey, where he served faithfully as long as he could.

Russell is predeceased by his daughter, Angela Foy; brothers, Johnathan Thomas and Dennis Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Velma A. Woodson; children, Doris Flowers, Russell Flowers, Tiffany Smith, Tracey Johnson, Tammy Brown, Charles Slaughter, Jamar Thompson; siblings: Darwin Thomas, James Thomas, Meredith Thomas, Andrew Thomas Jr., William Thomas (Mary), John Thomas, Ronnie Thomas, Diane Boyce (Keith), Hazel Thomas, Trudell Harris, Phyllis Thomas, Brenda Thomas, Codella Thomas, Angela Thomas, Sarah Holmes; and a host of grandchildren; family and friends.