Phyllis Ruth (Lett) Russell

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Buddy Russell; son, Canyon Rod Russell (Brandie); brother, Travis Lett (Sue); and sister, Roweena Lett Farr (Eric) and a host of nieces and nephews.

Phyllis’ teaching career began at Smith School in 1965 in Roebuck area of Birmingham. She and Buddy moved to the Smoke Rise community in Blount County in 1972 where she taught 1st and 2nd grades at Hayden Elementary and was also a Counselor for Hayden Elementary which later became Hayden Primary. Phyllis was always thinking of her students and how she could make a positive influence on them even if it meant getting personally involved to meet their emotional or physical needs. She wanted all of them to succeed and was active in their lives to help them succeed. Phyllis was an educator for 42 years and loved every minute of it.

Phyllis was a member of the Beta Delta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gama Society. In this Honor Society for Women Teachers, she served as President, Membership Chairman, Parliamentarian and one term on the State Board.

A long-time member of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Phyllis served in several leadership roles. For many years, she taught Children’s Sunday School and served on the Pastoral Search Committee in addition to the Preschool Advisory Committee. Phyllis loved the Lord and loved sharing God’s Word with the many children that she encountered during those years.

In addition to her love for the Lord and her students, family get togethers brought Phyllis joy. She loved spending time with everyone. She will be missed so much, and we are all better for having her in our lives!

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 25 at 4 p.m. at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with Bro. Sid Cottingham officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her memory to Smoke Rise Baptist Church, 1550 Scenic Trail, Warrior, AL 35180.

A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 4 p.m. at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, Magnolia Hall with Bro. Sid Cottingham officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her memory to Smoke Rise Baptist Church, 1550 Scenic Trail, Warrior, AL 35180.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the RUSSELL family.