Bessie Edna (Smith) Russell

Mrs. Bessie Edna Russell, 92, resident of Hickory Withe, Tennessee and lifelong Fayette County resident, passed away Friday, December 31, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Maylon Bennett Smith and Sylvia Pattat Smith and by her beloved husband, Richard "Donn" Russell, on May 27, 1994. She is survived by her sister, Betty Jean Price, 3 sons, Dick (Irene) Russell, Mike (Tracey) Russell and Charlie (Jeannie) Russell, 5 grandchildren, 6+ great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces, nephews and her caregivers, Doris Lee and Charlotte Maclin.

Born on August 18, 1929, Mrs. Russell and her husband ran a local grocery for many years. She was a member of Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church for 70+ years. She was the treasurer for the Top Spinners square dance club. She enjoyed working in her yard and did so until her health no longer permitted it. The neighbors always worried if they didn't see Miss Bessie outside with her hoe and weed eater.

Even though a failing heart took her away from this world, her loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community. From Sunday dinners to her daily devotions, Miss Bessie showed us all the life we can live.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Russell were conducted on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church with Pastor Doug Barcroft officiating. Interment was at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hickory Withe.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Zach Roberts, Jason Russell, Justin Russell, Parks Russell, Ben Russell and Shelton Russell.

In lieu of flowers, the Russell family wishes that you donate to the charity closest to your heart, in memory of Mrs. Russell. Some of her favorites were Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, St. Jude and the American Heart Association.