The Baptist University of Florida mourns the loss of alumna Peyton (Kirk) Russell who passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Peyton graduated from the university on December 7, 2012, with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Christian Education. While a student at the university, Peyton brought joy to all those that she encountered. From her smile and infectious personality, she formed lasting friendships. Reflecting on Peyton’s life, Dr. David Coggins, her advisor and primary professor at the university said, “In twenty plus years of teaching, I have had a lot of students. Most of them I remember and all of them I enjoyed teaching. A few of them I have counted as friends. Peyton was a cherished friend. She brought joy and laughter and the unexpected always that kept me laughing and sometimes thinking deeply about life and our relationship with God. She was a young woman of contagious joy and deep faith.” Along with Dr. Coggins one of Peyton’s dearest friends and fellow BUF alumna Kessler (Newsom) Patillo shared, “Years ago, we lived together in a little apartment of hand me down furniture and things we found at thrift stores. One day she came in with an old chair someone had given her and excitedly said, ‘isn’t this the perfect quiet time chair?’ And I can still see her sitting there with her Bible and coffee. That’s who she was. She loved Jesus and was always pointing people towards him.” There is no doubt that Peyton is rejoicing and smiling at the feet of Jesus. As the university that had the blessing of coming alongside her, our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Adam, son Calvin, and her family and friends as they reflect upon her beautiful life. To Christ be the glory for the life of Peyton Russell.
A celebration of life for Peyton will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, with visitation at 12:15 pm and services to begin at 1:30 pm. Graveside service will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama.