Funeral service for Trudye Leonard Russell, 86, of Decatur will be today, February 6, 2015, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur, Stephenson Chapel, with Reverend Roger Jenkins officiating and Shelton Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Decatur City Cemetery.
Mrs. Russell, who died Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at her residence, was born August 26, 1928, in Athens to Guy Leonard and Hattie Lou Nelson Leonard. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Bill Leonard; and five sisters, Harriet Beyer, Mable Clem, Margaret Leonard, Ida Dubuisson and Helen Williamson. During her working life, she was employed by Chemstrand, Dr. Kermit Pitt and Calhoun Community College. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and Bible school. Mrs. Russell participated in the Prayer Shawl Ministry and knitted caps and booties for Decatur Morgan Hospital’s nursery.
She is survived by her husband, Ewell Russell; one son, George Russell of Decatur; three daughters, Anne Musso (Jack) of Trussville, Lynne Greene (Howard) and Beth Blair (Edward), both of Decatur; six grandchildren, Wendy Jackson, Mollie Russell, Savannah Russell, Jenna Russell, Kylei Russell and Georgia Blair; two great-grandchildren, Sophie Jackson and Mack Jackson; and 14 nephews and nieces.
Pallbearers will be Buster Williamson, Judson Clem, Jim Williamson, Bill Leonard, Scott Williamson and Ed Wyle. Honorary pallbearer will be Joe Bynum.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, P.O. Box 2745, Decatur, AL 35602 or Alabama Baptist Children’s Home, 1404 16th Ave. SE, Decatur, AL 35601.
