Dr. Tomeka Danielle Russell

Dr. Tomeka Danielle Russell was born on April 19th 1976 in Callahan, FL to Mr. Elroy Swails and Mrs. Vanessa G. Woods.    She was a light in her town and continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for Callahan residents.  Danielle excelled in softball and academics.  She is a graduate of Spencer High School in Columbus, GA where she graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1994.  During her high-school years, she spent time in Europe with her mother during a military tour.  Dr. Russell is a graduate of Alabama State University where she graduated at the top of her class in 1998 with a B.S. in Biology.  She received the prestigious President’s Award.  Danielle later attended Emory University as a United States Air Force Health Professions Scholar and received her M.D. in 2002 with a specialization in family Medicine.

Dr. Russell is a United States Air Force (USAF) veteran and valiantly served her country from May 1998-May 2002 as a reservist and from June 2002- June 2009 as an active duty physician.  She is an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran where she served at Camp Victory as the Director of P.O.W. Medical Examination during the Iraq War.  She is a decorated veteran.  Dr. Russell received the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Air Force Training Ribbon and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 oak leaf clusters.  Dr. Russell separated from the USAF and worked for one year as a medical contractor.

Upon separation from the USAF, Dr. Russell opened her own, private medical practice, Healing Touch Family Care.  Initially designed as a micro-practice, it soon mushroomed to serve over 3,000 patients who would travel from as far as Tallahassee, FL for medical care.  Dr. Russell and her devoted staff were in the business of saving lives.  She believed that God gave her the gift of healing and she shared that gift with the River Region.  Healing Touch was operational from 2010-2015.  Countless patients attest to Dr. Russell’s ability to listen to them and put them on the path to healing.  Ever the entrepreneur, Dr. Russell founded Faith Walk Enterprises, through which she brought the Edible Arrangements franchise to the Prattville area.  Her motto was, as her mother taught her, “If it is humanly possible, then I can do it also.”  Dr. Russell is also an accomplished author and has written two books, Sanctified and Still Standing (Tate Publishing) and Divine Forgiveness (Xulon Press).  Both books are available on Amazon.com.  Dr. Russell has been a speaker nationally and regionally at multiple events.  She has also been a staunch advocate for Breast Cancer awareness.  She was featured in the Disabled American Veterans magazine in 2015 as a result of her service related issues.  In 2015, she received the Dr. Dave Welch Award from the Dr. Dave Welch Foundation.  In 2016, she received the Pink Pizazz Award from the Pink Pizazz Foundation and the Federally Employed Women Breast Cancer Awareness Work-Advocacy-Support Award.

Dr. Russell lived a full, vibrant, and giving life.  She dedicated her time and energy to helping others.  Her Christian life began very early where she was baptized at True Believers Church of God by Faith in Callahan, FL.  She has also served at Bread of Life Christian Center in Columbus, GA, Faith Outreach Christian Center in Augusta, GA and Freewill Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL.  Finally, she was a dedicated member of Grace Community Church where her husband serves as the Pastor.  Her commitment to serve God through trial has been a great inspiration to many.  Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  She was a mighty woman of God.  Dr. Russell took her rest on Thursday April 13th, 2017 at 8:45pm.