Betty Bryant Russell

Betty Jenell Bryant Russell was born September 01, 1927 in Knoxville, TN to Edward Garfield and Nettie Mac Bryant. Alongside her brother, E.A. Bryant, and sister, Pearl McCloud, she grew up knowing the Russell family as a child. Many Russell's became life-long friends, and she married Thomas Russell. The two were married for 55 years. They had five children: Carol, Tommy, Dennis, Gracie, and Janice. In addition to helping raise five children, she also helped Tom with his egg and poultry business. Throughout her life, she was heavily involved in her local church. Her childhood church of First Baptist Knoxville especially held a special place in her heart. She was an avid movie-goer and especially loved watching movies at the Tennessee and Bijou Theatres as a kid. Family reunions were one of her favorite activities. Over the years, she hosted many of these, which were large undertakings given Tom was one of 15 kids in the Russell family. As she got older, many new faces were added as kids got married and grandchildren came along. Her family continued to expand as she had 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She loved interacting with all the kids whether it was playing cards, telling stories, taking them on trips, or watching them tear up the yard with a go-cart. She also got a thrill from bargain hunting to buy her large family gifts. Two of her other great loves in life were her cats Dusty and Pinky. In September of 2017, she celebrated her 90th birthday in Knoxville and a few months later, she moved to Georgia to live with her daughter, Gracie, and son-in-law, Randy, to be closer to family. Betty was loved and cared for by two amazing caregivers Ann Hancock and Destiny Felder. Through the ups and downs, her faith in Jesus Christ gave her strength and encouragement. As her favorite hymn, “Jesus, I Come” says, “…Out of my sickness into Thy health…In to the peace of Thy sheltering fold…Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus I come to Thee.”