Helen Childress Russell's Obituary
Helen Childress Russell, born November 27, 1921 died November 17, 2012 at Woodcrest at Blakeford, Nashville, TN. Helen was born in Philadelphia, PA. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Agnes Daughtery Childress and father, Robert Lee Childress; brother Harry Childress; sister, Edith Childress; son, Robert Lee Russell; daughter-in-law, Margaret Braden Russell. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, John Hackett Russell, Jr. Nashville, TN; daughter, Nan Russell Woody (Mike) of Destin, FL; son, John Hackett Russell III of Franklin, TN; grandchildren: Russell Woody, Michael Woody, Catherine Woody, Helen Russell, Hack Russell and Robert Russell; great-grandchildren: Emma Woody, Chris Woody and Jake Woody; special brother and sisters-in-law, Suzanne Russell and Ramsey Russell (Dixie) and daughter-in-law, Kim Russell. Helen grew up in Satartia, Mississippi; graduated from Satartia High School, the University of Mississippi where she was one of the first women to earn a degree in accounting and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. She lived her adult life in Memphis, TN, Brentwood, TN and Atlanta, Georgia before returning to Memphis in 1979 when John retired. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing bridge, reading and painting. She graciously gave of her time serving in organizations that benefited feeding the hungry and children’s hospital. Helen was a long time member of Mullins United Methodist Church, The Kings Daughters and MIFA. Helen was a loving wife, mother and grandmother always bragging on her family. She will be remembered as a True Southern Lady that carried herself with grace and dignity. The family would like to thank the staff of Woodcrest at Blakeford for the kindness and care given her during her stay there. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice. Funeral will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 27 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis, TN with visitation one hour prior to service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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