Joyce Russell

Joyce Marie Russell, “the Lady with the Winning Smile”, was born in Waco, Texas on March 11. This “Forever 21” year old moved to Dallas, Texas when she was two. Often, Joyce would say that she “pioneered” Dallas where the family had to drive up Chalk Hill backwards because of its steepness and the family car’s lack of power.

Joyce’s parents were Eugene and Freda Ballard. She had twin younger sisters, Dorothy (McKinney) and Delores (Perry). She graduated from Crozier Tech High School where she met the love of her life, Joe Russell.

Joe and Joyce married in 1950 and raised three children in the Oak Cliff and Lake Highlands areas of Dallas. She is survived by her children Pat Russell, Cathy Russell Smith (Dan), and Joe E Russell. A godson, Danny Dayton (Susie Johnson), also survives.

This vivacious lady was an active mother cheering at poolside for Joe and ironing countless Lake Highlands Highlandette uniforms for Pat and Cathy. Friends of Joyce’s children could often be found in Joyce’s kitchen relishing “Mrs. R’s” attention and abundant food.

Additionally, Joyce became Granny to 7 grandchildren: Zack Russell, Nicole Russell, Aaron Smith, Adam Smith, Natalie Russell, Catherine Russell, and Joseph Russell being certain to spoil them with the sugariest cereals, lake time, Disney trips, and gallons of ice cream. Her generosity extended to Aaron’s wife, Ashley; Adam’s wife, Lindsay; and Zack’s wife, Naomi.

If grandchildren are the rewards for aging, great-grandchildren are the whipped cream and cherry on top. Joyce is survived by 8 great grandchildren: Annalei, Miah, Cassia, and Paxton Russell along with Logan, Campbell, Hailey and Mazie Smith.

Another name Joyce proclaimed was aunt to Linda Perry Ford, Shirley Perry, Charles Perry (deceased), Bob McKinney, and Becky Rogers. Also, Debbie Russell Miller, Ed Russell, John Russell, and Carrie Russell knew her as Aunt Joyce.

Friend. Joyce was known as a caring, coffee-sipping friend in every neighborhood or organization she graced. Special thanks also to the exceptionally caring staff of Rambling Oaks Extensive Care Community where Joyce lived for a year.

This accomplished homemaker loved gardening, flower arranging, antiques, and clock collecting. Shopping at Big Lots and Tuesday Morning also consumed Joyce’s time. Notably, Joyce loved entertaining in her beautiful homes often made more attractive through remodeling projects that she supervised earning her a Red Hard Hat labeled “Boss Lady”.

Warmth, spunk, the color red, and forbearance are the hallmarks of this beloved “21” year old who exited our lives on May 24, 2019 but whose love will be remembered fondly forever.

Visitation Saturday June 1, 2019 1:30 -2:30pm with Funeral service to follow at Grove Hill Funeral Home Chapel