MADD TN Mourns Dell Russell-Wallace
“I remember kneeling in front of Junior’s casket, promising him no one will ever forget how or why he died. MADD has allowed me to keep that promise.”
Dell Russell-Wallace, March 20, 2017
And for 23 years, Dell fulfilled that promise. In honor of both, Dell and her late husband, Bobby Russell, Jr. “Junior,” MADD Tennessee will continue to fulfill that promise she made 25 years ago.
On July 25, 1995, Bobby Russell, Jr. was struck and killed by an impaired driver. Dell came to MADD for support and advocacy during a grueling and public criminal justice trial. At the end of the criminal justice process, it was placed on Dell’s heart to advocate for others who would also be forced to endure the loss of a loved one by an impaired driver. Dell’s tenacity and audacious spirit was treasured by everyone who knew her. Dell leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that will never be forgotten. We ask that you keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Dell volunteered for MADD Tennessee for more than two decades. She faithfully shared her story at Victim Impact Panels (VIPs), in schools, and at prisons as part of a pre-release program for DUI offenders. She supported countless victims of impaired driving and served on the MADD Tennessee State Advisory Board on both the Victim Impact Panel and Programs Committees. In 2015, she was awarded the MADD West Tennessee Difference Maker Award. She will be deeply missed.