Mary Lou Russell

Mary Lou Russell, lovingly known as Lou to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at her home in Magnolia, Texas, on August 10, 2026, with her beloved daughter, Donna and son-in-law David, and two of her best friends, Tom and Sharon, surrounding her bedside.

Lou was born in Houston, Texas, on January 23, 1934. She later attended Tyler High School, graduating in 1951. During her high school years, Lou proudly served as a Tyler High School majorette, delighting football crowds with her baton performances.

It was also in Tyler that Lou met Donald Richard Russell, the love of her life. Following her graduation, Lou and Don were married and began a 36-year marriage filled with love, family, and countless memories. Together they raised three children, John, David, and Donna.

Lou and Don were devoted parents who loved supporting their children. They could often be found in the stands or along the sidelines at band performances, sporting events, Quarter Horse shows, and rodeos. Their family also treasured the summers they spent camping together in Colorado, creating memories that would remain special throughout Lou’s life.

After retiring in 2000, Lou moved to Magnolia, Texas, where she made her home on a beautiful wooded acre. She took great pride in caring for her property, lovingly maintaining its natural beauty while creating a peaceful and welcoming place to call home.

Her favorite place was often her front porch, where she would sit in her wooden rocking chair beneath the ceiling fan and watch the birds visit her feeders and birdbath. She especially loved watching hummingbirds gather around their feeder. These quiet moments surrounded by nature brought Lou great happiness.

Lou was an active member of Magnolia First Baptist Church, where her Christian faith was an important part of her life. Her favorite Bible verse was Revelation 3:20:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with

Me.”

During her retirement years, Lou enjoyed singing karaoke with her daughter, Donna. She also had a lifelong love of music. One of her favorite childhood songs was “Cool Water” by the Sons of the Pioneers.

And, for those who knew Lou well, there was always room for one more of her favorite treats: Blue Bell ice cream.

Lou was preceded in death by her parents,

John Delmas Welch and Helen Virginia Eaton Welch; her beloved husband, Donald Richard Russell; her sons, John Gordon Russell and David Richard Russell; her sister, Betty Jo Davis; her brother-in-law, Neil Davis; and her brother, John Edgar Welch.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Lou Russell Grahmann and son-in-law; David Allen Grahmann; her brother-in-law, Robert Russell and sister-in-law, Ann Russell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will remember her with love.

Lou will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her quiet strength, her Christian faith, her love of nature, and her appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She created beauty wherever she could, whether caring for her wooded acre, watching hummingbirds from her porch, sharing music with her daughter, or simply spending time with the past and present people she loved.

Her life was rich with memories, and her legacy lives on in the family and friends who were blessed to know her.

Lou’s earthly journey is complete, but the love she gave and the memories she created will remain forever.

May she rest peacefully in the presence of her Lord, reunited with those she loved and missed so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity or toasting Lou at your favorite restaurant will be your added blessing.

A Committal Service will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079, US, on August 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.