Lois Jane Russell

Lois spent her childhood years growing up in Crockett, Texas, Dallas, Texas, and Miracle Valley, Arizona, places that shaped her independence, resilience, and deep faith. She was married to Harvey Dean Russell for twenty-two years, and together they welcomed one daughter, Jana, who remained the great joy of her life.

A strong and determined entrepreneur, Lois owned and operated a successful envelope printing company, building her business through hard work, vision, and grit at a time when women business owners were far less common. Her drive was matched only by her unwavering faith.

Lois was a devout Christian who lived boldly for her beliefs. Following the fall of communism in 1991, she traveled to Russia to share the Gospel, and she fearlessly smuggled Bibles into communist China, acts that reflected her deep conviction and courageous spirit. One of the most meaningful moments of her life was a pilgrimage to Israel, where she was re-baptized in the Jordan River, an experience she cherished deeply. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 91, a passage that reflected her trust in God’s protection and faithfulness.

She is survived by her children, Jana and Mark Rankin; her grandchildren Tera and Jacob Brandt, Lane Simmons, Rachel and Blake McKenzie, and Gage Rankin; and her great-grandchildren Oliver, Jude, and Henry Brandt, and Baby McKenzie, whom she affectionately nicknamed “Peaches.” She is also survived by her sisters Joyce Fain, Mary Floyd, and Tommie Smith.

Lois leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews: Dewaina and Preston Henderson, Dewaine Fain, Paul King, Rhonda and Joe Oliver, Jennifer and Michael Hood, Jeremy Boss and Jason Kyle Floyd, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Harvey Russell.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jeff Edward Evans and Mary Elouise Nailling; her stepfather Tom H. Nailling; her brothers J.C. Evans and George Evans; her brother-in-law Herbert Fain; her nephew Sean Alden King; her great-nephew Brian Scott House; and her former in-laws Charles and Essie Russell.

Lois will be remembered as a woman of fierce faith, generosity, courage, and love, a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.

Viewing will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Grove Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park, located at 3920 Samuell Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75228.

Services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Grove Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park. A graveside service will follow at the same location.