Carmen Russell Hurff passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. George B. Hurff, and her parents, C.M. “Chick” Russell and Phoebe Esslinger Russell. Survivors include Carmen’s brother, Wade Matthew Russell (Sharon); nephews, Austin Russell Mann, Wade Matthew Russell, Jr. (Christine), and Victor Olson Russell (Hilary). She also leaves a great niece, Grace Elizabeth Phoebe Mann; and great nephews, Cam Alvin Russell, Simon Fennell Russell, Thomas Victor Hampton Russell, and Gabriel Wade Russell.
After graduation from Huntsville High School in 1961, Carmen became an accomplished researcher of letters, writer, talented artist and woodworker, musician, and academic. A recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship and a Woodrow Wilson grant, Carmen achieved degrees from Vanderbilt University, Tulane University, Florida State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, Gainesville, in English Literature as well as many other awards and recognition.
Carmen lived on Lake Guntersville during her retirement from the University of Florida where she served as Rare Books Curator. She worked with and guided famous authors and their families to donate their valuable original manuscripts to the Rare Books Library at the university in Gainesville.
A private memorial service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church (https://huntsvillefirst.org/).
