Parra Sue Russell

She was born officially on December 26, 1929 in Alton, IL, the daughter of the late Rufus Janes and Kitty Pauline (Sugg) Janes. Until 2004, we thought her birthday was Christmas Day. The last time she was asked, she said her birthday was December 25. She married John D. Tomlinson, Jr in Springfield on August 18, 1951. Mr. Tomlinson passed December 21, 1993. Sue married George Russell in 2004 and he passed in 2006.

Sue was a kindergarten teacher in Springfield and retired when the Tomlinson’s moved to Texas. She taught in Mt. Vernon, TX for a couple of years. Sue loved to sing, dance, and laugh. She loved children and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the Lord. She worshiped at Woodside Methodist Church in Springfield and then wherever she was near a church. Her greatest joy was her family.

Sue is survived by 3 daughters: Susan (husband Jim) Thillen of Granbury, TX, Sara (husband Alan deceased) Cisco of Longview, TX and Sharon (husband Larry) Hood of Poplar Bluff, MO. 7 grandchildren: Michael (wife Brook) Quinn of Cape Town, South Africa; Peter (wife Erin) Quinn of Magnolia, TX; Stephen (partner Sarah) Quinn of Brooklyn, NY; Jonathan Key of Longview, TX; Jennifer Key of Poplar Bluff, MO; Alaina Cisco (partner Nathan) of Poplar Bluff; Cerissa Hart (deceased) daughter of Sharon. Along with 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, Springfield. A memorial service will be held in the spring.