Oct. 21, 2018 – Nov. 16, 2018

NATCHEZ — Services paying tribute to the life of Wyatt Lee Russell of Natchez, MS who died on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at his home, will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Kingston Cemetery outside of Natchez with Rev. Russell Wagoner officiating. Services and burial will be under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

Wyatt was born on Oct. 21, 2018 in Jackson, the son of Sean Austin Russell and Kaelin Ann Daye. Prior to his birth Wyatt was diagnosed with an extreme case of Amniotic Band Syndrome. His parents were told that he would thrive in his mother’s womb till term, but gave him a zero chance of survival outside his mother’s womb. Though his body was created for a life in Heaven, Our Father had plans for Wyatt here on Earth. Not only was Wyatt miraculously born alive, but for 27 days he thrived and lived completely unaided by nothing more than the will of Our Lord and the love and care of his family. During that time Wyatt served as a powerful testimony of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Wyatt’s family is incredibly grateful to the countless individuals and families, from across the nation, who reached out to share the stories of how Wyatt’s testimony had touched their hearts and souls.

When Wyatt peacefully left his parents to join Our Lord in Heaven, he had fulfilled more purpose in his short life than many come to know over a full lifetime. As Wyatt entered the Gates of Heaven he did so having lived a life free from sin and full of purpose. Something most hope for and very few ever achieve. Wyatt was preceded in death by his maternal great grandfather Donald L. Daye of Baton Rouge.

He is survived by his parents; his paternal grandmother Teri “Nikki” Shaifer and husband, Stuart, of Natchez; his paternal grandfather Benjamin “Benjie” Russell and wife, Destin, of Maurice, LA; his maternal grandmother Melanie Sojourner of Natchez; his maternal grandfather Derek Daye and wife, Holly, of Justin, TX; his paternal great grandparents Charlotte Britt and Virgil Bolyer, of Natchez and A. Benjamin and wife, Cassie, Russell of Knoxville, TN; his maternal great grandparents Jack and wife, Sandra, Sojourner, of Natchez; his maternal great grandmother Penny Dean Daye, ofPerdido Key, FL; his paternal uncles Joseph A. “Joey” Russell, Ethan “Xander” Shaifer, and Ayden W. Shaifer all of Natchez; his paternal aunt Reagan N. Shaifer of Natchez; his maternal uncle Dayne A. Daye of Natchez; and a number of great aunts and great uncles.

Pallbearers will be his uncles Joseph “Joey” Russell and Dayne Daye.

Memorials may be made to the Faith and Wyatt Foundation, 544 Ratcliff Place, Natchez, MS 39120. The tax-exempt foundation was created by Wyatt’s family to provide support and needed services, free-of-charge, to the families of infants born with terminal conditions similar to that of Wyatt. Visit www.faithandwyatt.com to learn more.