Sue"Susie" Russell

Susie was born October 7, 1942 in Anniston, Alabama to the late Grafton G. Smith and Sara Faye Smith. She was raised in Birmingham from grammar school through high school and was a 1960 graduate of Shades Valley High School.

She was a loving mother, daughter and grandmother. She was loved by all who knew her, and affectionately known as Mama Sue and Gmom!! She was a beautiful soul with a kind and giving heart. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren while also having a passion for painting and art. She enjoyed reading, and traveling with her family and was a genius in the kitchen, especially with her famous chocolate cake!

Survivors include son James Lamar (Jimbo) Gray, Jr. and his wife Sonya; son Bradley Grafton Gray and his wife Nancy; and daughter Suanne Malsby Gray all of Birmingham; and four grandchildren: Rachel Joy Gray of Knoxville, Tennessee, Charles Bradley Gray of Atlanta, Georgia, William Martin Gray and Catherine Anne Gray both of Birmingham.

A special thank you to the team at The Greenbriar at the Altamont for their loving care. We also appreciate the excellent care from Vickie Harris and her team at Mending Hearts with special recognition to Cora Tyson.

Please join us for a celebration of life at Vino Gallery in English Village, 1930 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35223, on Thursday, November 7th at 6pm. Susie's art will be on display at Vino.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Banks Academy, P.O. Box 590049 Birmingham, AL 35259. Contributions to this school reflect her passion for children and education.