904.284.7720

Helping Hands, Caring Hearts

At Russell Haven of Rest, we understand that your choices are many and that the decisions are often difficult. That’s why our personal counselors take all the time needed to offer advice and to assist in any and every way.

You are assured of peace of mind once you visit us. Here, you’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere, accentuated by a bright, airy main foyer, created to lift spirits as you welcome friends and family. Our property also includes a beautiful dedicated nature preserve that will remain a pristine setting for generations to come.

We are pleased to offer commemorative ceremonies, a full range of memorial and cremation services, cemetery options, complete pre-arrangement services and a unique after-care program, including GriefShare to extend beyond the ceremonies. In short, you can rely on our compassionate professionals for the continuous care of your loved one from the moment of passing through final memorialization.

Please feel free to contact us with your questions. If you should need our services immediately, please call 904-284-7720 to speak directly to a staff member.

Our History

The name Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery comes from a combination of two ideas: Russell denotes the early name for this area of Clay County, while Haven of Rest is from a favorite old church song, The Haven of Rest, written by H. L. Gilmour.

The following stanza and chorus from Gilmour’s song express the peacefulness of the grounds:

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole, Has been the old story so blest Of Jesus, who will save whosoever will have A home in the Haven of Rest. I’ve anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest, I’ll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep or the wild, stormy deep In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

1937

The first burial took place in the former Russell Baptist Church Cemetery.

1999

Russell Baptist Church gave the 1.6-acre cemetery to Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery in order to enjoy the protection of state licensure and to guarantee perpetual care. This special area is now the heritage section of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery. We are honored to be entrusted with the oversight of this sacred ground and the guardianship of the burial records. Burial eligibility in the Heritage Section is restricted and determined by the Russell Baptist Church Cemetery Committee.

2001

In order to provide burial space for all citizens, 25 acres of adjacent land was dedicated as cemetery property, and approximately 8 acres has been developed for current use. After 2 years of professional planning, surveying, and construction, Russell Haven of Rest was dedicated as a state licensed, community cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11, 2001.

2004

In January, Anna Campbell Starks, LFD, joined the staff of Russell Haven of Rest shortly after graduating from UNF with a degree in Business Management,

2007

In August, Jeff Gaver, LFD, joined the staff and the licensing process for a funeral home establishment was initiated.Families appreciate the opportunity to meet with the same person for funeral and burial arrangements at one time in one location. Russell Haven of Rest guarantees professional excellence and personal, compassionate service to all families.

 

Memorial Day Ceremony

Each year, our Memorial Day Ceremony is an opportunity for Russell Haven of Rest to give back to the community. With the help of the Roy S. Geiger Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the Military Museum of Clay County, the Vietnam Vets and Legacy Vets Motorcycle Clubs and other volunteers, each Memorial Day is a very special day for all who attend. Besides patriotic speeches and music, there is a display of restored military vehicles and other military memorabilia. The ceremony is held under cover of former Vietnam era tents with spacious parking and seating. Each year we have a dynamic speaker to remind us that we live in the most wonderful country in the world, and we have the members of our Armed Forces to thank for that blessing.

Please join us on May 30, 2016 at 10 AM for a wonderful celebration and remembrance ceremony. Should weather be an issue, we will meet at the same time and date in the Russell Baptist Church.

GriefShare: A Path To Peace Of Mind

GriefShare is a grief-recovery ministry offered by Church Initiative and provided at several churches throughout Clay County for anyone who cares to join us. This special weekly video seminar and support group helps those grieving the death of someone close. It is a time and a place for you to join with others who understand the pain of your loss and to learn valuable insights.

GriefShare features some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery topics, as seen from a Biblical perspective. Seminar sessions include “The Journey of Grief,” “The Effects of Grief,” “When Your Spouse Dies,” “Your Family and Grief,” “Why?,” “Heaven” and “Stuck in Grief.”

This outreach is offered at no charge to all participants. The GriefShare program is built around three components: a video seminar, a support-group discussion, and personal study and reflection. Our experience has shown clearly that commitment to all three key aspects yields the best growth and healing.

If you have lost someone close to you, or know someone who has, please call us to find out more information.  We know it hurts, and we want to help.

Pre-Arrangement

Russell Haven of Rest offers 100% fully funded pre-arranged accounts that are audited by the State of Florida Department of Finance. You can be assured that your money is safe and secure.

We are here to help you in transferring your current traditional funeral or cremation pre-arranged funeral from another funeral home to Russell Haven of Rest.

Please contact us at 904-284-7720. Your call will be answered 24 hours a day by a member of the Russell Haven of Rest staff.