Ella Jean Russell Doane

Born on October 6, 1929, in Harlan, Kentucky, Ella Jean was the daughter of Emory Austin Russell, Sr., and Lillian Estella Chambers Russell. She grew up in Elk Valley, Tennessee, and made her home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during her high school years, where she attended Oak Ridge High School.

On October 7, 1947, she married the love of her life, James Wallace Doane, Sr. Together, they shared nearly 77 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another.

A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Ella Jean also shared her love of music as a piano teacher for 58 years. She found particular joy in helping children discover music, develop their talents, and grow into young adults. Her encouragement and dedication touched generations of students.

She attended Robertsville Baptist Church. Ella Jean loved cooking, helping others, giving gifts, celebrating Christmas, and collecting antique dolls. Her generosity was a natural expression of the care she had for those around her.

Above all, Ella Jean was defined by her steadfast love and loyalty to her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of deep joy, and the traditions and memories she created will be treasured for generations. She was also lovingly known as Aunt Jean to her many nieces and nephews, who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Wallace Doane, Sr.; her parents, Emory Austin Russell, Sr., and Lillian Estella Chambers Russell; and her brothers, Thomas Henry Russell, Robert Ray Russell, and Emory Austin Russell, Jr.

She is survived by her sister, Anne Russell Calhoun; her children, James W. Doane, Jr. (Rebecca), Richard W. Doane, Sr. (Vileta), and Teresa Doane Loxley (N. Scott); and her grandchildren, Dustin Doane (Rachel), Derek Doane (Kristen), Richard Doane, Jr. (Kristen Ward), Nathan Loxley (Rachel), Jenna Loxley, and Matthew Loxley (Katelyn).

She is also survived by her eleven great-grandchildren: Jackson Doane, Raven Doane, Sidney Ward, Ellie Ward, Noah Loxley, Kate Loxley, Ella Loxley, Lillian Loxley, Josie Boykin, Emorie Boykin, and Ashton Loxley.

Ella Jean will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the family she loved, the students she inspired, and the many lives enriched by her kindness and generosity.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.