Sheila Lillian Mobbs Russell

Sheila Russell was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

She was the daughter of Fred and Ada Mobbs and grew up in England.

Sheila was raised with two brothers and one sister. She had her older brother, Raymond; sister, Melba and brother, Leonard. Sheila was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Sheila had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Sheila was an active child who took part in soccer and field hockey. She loved art, and animals, which was great for her, as her family raised german shepherds. In her spare time she liked to spend time reading. Sheila's memorable achievements included receiving a scholarship in fashion design and had to decline due to lack of funds. However, to Sheila, the most fun was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Sheila had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were art and history.

On July 24, 1944 Sheila exchanged wedding vows with Jerome E. Russell at St. Michael's and All Angels Church of Leicester, England. Empathic and loyal, Sheila was committed to making her new family happy.

Sheila worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Sheila was blessed with six children, Jerome "Kim", Vickie, Jennifer, Nannette, Rebecca, and Deanna. Another blessing for Sheila was the gift of 23 grandchildren, Jonathan, Laura, Jamey, Jacqueline, Jesse, Coy, Michele, Michael, Steven, Stephanie, Russell, Sandra, Sheila, Serena, Trey, Anna, John Tyler, Kandace, Killian, Domenique, Savannah, Alexandria, and Victoria; 25 great-grandchildren, Claire, Conner, Katrina, Austin, William. Gabriella, Natalie, Josh, Alex, Savannah, Dalton, Madeleine, Richard, Morgan, Caroline, Taylor, Owen, Lauren, Ashley, Halie, Wyatt, Megan, Caleb, Scarlett, and Bryanna; and one great-great-grandchild, Cade.

Sheila enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were dancing, bingo, video games, ceramics, traveling, discussing history, cooking, baking cakes and sewing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Sheila enjoyed traveling and vacationing, it was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Florida, Mexico, Europe, and Las Vegas.

Sheila was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, especially Thumper, her Maltese dog. Her family was rounded out by her many pets throughout the years.

Sheila passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at her residence in Austin due to heart failure.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2010 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home with Mr. Ed Gillispie officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Simply stated, Sheila was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Sheila leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Sheila Russell.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Mrs. Russell to Hospice Austin's Christopher House, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, Texas 78702.