Christie Lynn Russell

Mrs. Christie Lynn Russell, a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, entered eternal rest during the morning hours of December 16, 2025, following a brave and courageous two-year battle with cancer. Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on through all who truly loved her and whom she loved so dearly.

Christie was born on June 16, 1953, in Wisner, Louisiana, to her parents, Roger Price and Luella Smith. She later grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, where her formative years were spent. She was a faithful, devoted, and loving wife to Willie Russell Sr. for 45 years. Together, they raised three wonderful, caring, and accomplished sons, always instilling in them strong values, positive lessons, and family traditions to guide them toward success in life.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was raised in the Christian Baptist faith, which guided her thoughts, actions, and purpose throughout her life. Christie was a longtime, faithful member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she joyfully served on the Usher’s Board under the leadership of the late Pastor James E. Lightfoot and the current pastor, Edward V. Lightfoot. In April 2025, she became a member of Relentless Global Church, where she served as a line dancing instructor under the leadership of Pastors Leroy and Betty Barnes.

Christie was a proud graduate of Carver Elementary School; Carroll Junior High School, where she completed the 7th and 8th grade; Carroll High School, where she completed the 9th through 11th grade; and Wossman High School, where she completed the 12th grade. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University and her Master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

She enjoyed a long, successful, and impactful career in education, serving as a tenured mathematics teacher within the North Forest Independent School District and Aldine Independent School District for 33 years. Christie was also a proud member of several organizations, including Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated; the Red Hat Society; Houston Urban Line Dance Association (HULDA); Crosstown Line Dancers; and the Kashmere Line Dancers.

Christie is survived by her loving parents, Roger Price and Luella Smith; her sisters, Jacqueline Smith, Tonia Smith, and Schundreia Marion; and her brothers, Frederick Smith, Lonell Smith, Richard Price, and Deljon Price. She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sons, Jermaine Russell, Tremaine Russell, and Willie Russell Jr.; her daughters-in-law, Alexandria Russell and Sarah Russell; her precious grandchildren, Jeremiah Russell, Tierra Russell, Trentin Young, Jennifer Russell, Tremaine Russell Jr., Jazelle Russell, Tiana Russell, Willie Russell III, Kameron Lewis, Jerry Davis, Azariah Muhammad, and Azarion Muhammad; along with a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and friends.

A Legacy of Faith and Service

Mrs. Christie Lynn Russell lived a life of purpose, serving God, her family, and her community with humility, grace, and unwavering love. Her faith never faltered, and her heart was always open to welcoming and helping others. Though she will be deeply missed, her light will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched throughout her life.