Mary Elizabeth Russell

Mary Elizabeth Lindsey Russell, 98, of Richardson, Texas, passed away on January 11, 2026. She led a life marked by faith, family, fun and a fighting spirit. She was born prematurely in a farm house in San Saba, Texas on December 29, 1927, kept warm by irons wrapped in blankets. She experienced many challenges as a child, including contracting tuberculosis as a 7-year-old, moving incessantly due to broken family relationships and the economic hardships of the Great Depression, and serving as primary caregiver for her beloved and ailing grandmother as an early teen. She married Cecil Russell in 1948 and raised four children, before losing her husband at age 50. Mary leaned on the Lord and her never-give-up spirit to re-enter the workforce to put her last child through college. In her later years, though continuing to battle many health concerns, Mary traveled the world, always fascinated with new experiences. The biggest through line of her life was her family. She was the matriarch and unifier, bringing her large brood together whenever possible, and always there was food. Lots and lots of food. She was beloved by her four children, nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and countless friends that felt like family. The last eight years she spent at Twin Rivers Assisted Living, where she served as the longest tenured resident and de-facto mayor – bringing joy and spunk on a daily basis. Over the last period of declining health she said, “It’s three quarters will power at this point.” When reflecting on her imminent entrance into eternity she remarked, “I know what job I want in heaven. I want to take care of the babies. I’ve always loved babies!” Indeed, she has. She loved us all well. May we love one another well in her honor and look toward the Lord for strength and purpose as she did.

She is preceded in death by her parents Oren David Lindsey and Irene Ambrosine Sherwood King, husband Cecil Russell, son Steven Russell and brothers Bill and R.V. Lindsey.

She is survived by her son, Dan Russell, daughter, Jeanne Russell Lassiter and her spouse Alan, daughter Susan Russell Ligon and her spouse Greg, and daughter-in-law Kay Russell. Grandchildren Melanie Russell, Dana Lowe and her spouse Mat, Bryan Russell and his spouse Chastity, Matt Russell and his spouse Kristen, Ashley Googe and her spouse Matt, Brittany Passino and her spouse Ben, Lindsey Lassiter, Daniel Ligon, Andrew Ligon. Great grandchildren Marshall Wolfe, Jake Wolfe, Sarah Wolfe, Cash Russell, Eli Russell, Brooke Ames, Elle Lowe, Oliver Googe, Sawyer Googe, Miller Googe.

As a young woman, Mary served as a lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. After graduating with an associates degree from Brantley-Draughon Business College, Mary started out working in administrative support before she began raising her four children. She spent the last 10 years of her working life serving her dear friends, Greg and Sandra Tresidder, at Arlington Printers.

Mary worshiped in many Baptist congregations, including Fielder Road Baptist Church for many years and First Baptist Allen, most recently. Mary was an avid traveler, cook and news buff. She adored her family and friends and loved nothing more than combining all these things together.

We will miss her dearly, but we know how blessed we were to have her on this side of heaven for 98 years and we look forward to seeing her soon. Until then, enjoy rocking those babies, Memaw.

Memorials: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/mary-elizabeth-lindsey-russell-richardson-tx/