Mary Russell

Mary Geneva Russell Mary Geneva Russell, 84, entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 3, 2013, in Greensboro, NC. Born in Tennessee on August 21, 1928, Mary grew up in the Sweet Lips area, where she married her sweetheart, also from the area, then moved to Joliet, Illinois, as a young wife and mother. Widowed at the age of 42, she moved to Greensboro, NC, where she lived the remainder of her days.She was retired from Hester’s Creative Schools in Greensboro, where she worked for more than twenty years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left behind a legacy of hard work, sacrifice, and devotion to her family. Small in frame and stature, she was larger than life, and will be truly missed. Widowed for over forty years, Mary spent her time involved in the lives and activities of her children and their families, contributing countless hours of help and support to each of them. She loved her Lord, her church, her family, and her friends, and was a thoughtful, giving, spirited lady.Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond J. Russell, her parents, and two brothers. She is deeply mourned by her two daughters, Patsy (William) and Brenda (Rodney), and son, Jeff; and by seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren (one to arrive next February), two brothers and two sisters, many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.Mary’s funeral service was held at her home church, South Elm Street Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC, on August 10, 2013. Visitation in Tennessee will be at Sweet Lips Baptist Church from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2013, followed by a graveside service at the cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors-Johnson Chapel is assisting with the arrangements.