LaBrine (Bena) Vurnakes Russos

LaBrine (Bena) Vurnakes Russos of Raleigh, died Monday, June 6, 2016. She was born in Chrisafa, Greece on January 10, 1923. She was the daughter of Constantine and Harriet Vurnakes. Bena, her mother and sister, Elaine, fled from Greece at the age of 16 to escape the German Nazi invasion. They made their way by ship to New York City. The 18 day voyage was during the bitter winter of 1939.

Her father, Constantine, brother, Peter and sister, Angeline met them at the New City Harbor and drove straight to Raleigh, NC. Bena quickly learned English with the help of a private tutor and soon was placed in the Eighth Grade. After graduating from Hugh Morson High School, she attended Peace College.

While at Hugh Morson, she met her beloved husband, James (Jimmy) Harry Russos, who preceded her in death in 2008. Together, they owned and operated many well known Raleigh businesses, including Tops Men’s Clothing Store, the Manhattan Restaurant and Brothers Pizza Palace on Hillsborough Street. Besides working by her husband’s side for 61 years, she loved working in her yard and for her church. She especially loved spending precious time with her family at her Sunset Beach cottage, and watching N.C. State Basketball.

Bena is survived by her two, loving daughters, Elaine Russos Anlyan ( William G. Anlyan, Jr.) of Wilmington, NC and Noel Russos Harrison (Timothy F. Harrison) of Raleigh, NC, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and her remaining sister, Pota Vallas. Her family will remember her wonderful advice, always loving and honest. She was generous to a fault; always giving from her heart to her family and friends.

Visitation was held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, June 8, with the Trisagion Service at 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The Funeral was held 12:00 pm, Thursday, June 9, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow the service at Montlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Leadmine Rd. Raleigh, NC 27612.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.