Helen Bivins Russell

She was born in Hickory, NC on September 29, 1918 to Dorse and Mattie Starnes Bivins. She graduated from Hickory High School and attended Lenoir-Rhyne College before starting her career with Shuford Mills payroll department in Hickory and Granite Falls, NC, where she retired in 1984.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Granite Falls until moving in 1997 to Raleigh, where she became a member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband of 56 years, John Allison Russell. She was also preceded in death by her brother, R.D. Bivins, Jr. of Martinsville, VA, and by her five sisters, Estelle Dulin of Badin, NC, Hazel Leinbach of Winston- Salem, Carrie Bryson of Hickory, Willie Mae Huffman of Hickory, and Mary Beam of Hickory.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Roger B. Russell and his wife Beth of Raleigh, and by her four devoted grandchildren, Jennifer Lane Russell and partner Brandon Russell of Washington, DC, Allison Russell Davis and husband Ben of New York, NY, Drew Russell and wife Elizabeth Anne of Charlotte, and Taylor Russell of New York, NY.

A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery in Granite Falls at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staffs of The Oaks of Whitaker Glen and of Brighton Gardens of Raleigh for their dedication and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh or to First United Methodist Church in Granite Falls.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.