Bessie Russell

Bessie Mae Crouse Russell, 89, of Mountain Vista Health Park and formerly of Flat Swamp Rd., Denton died Friday, July 18, 2008 at the Health Park. Funeral services will held 11:00 AM Monday, July 21, 2008 at First Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Vern Peterson. Burial will follow at Denton Town Cemetery. Mrs. Russell was born August 14, 1918 in Davidson County to Reid W. Crouse and Vida Peacock Crouse. She worked in textiles for various Hosiery Mills. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she served as Sunday school Teacher; she was very active in the Baptist Women’s Organization serving as President and Circle Leader. Her love for God and her church was demonstrated by the joy she found in serving others. Her children were taught by example and by words. She worked hard and showed her love in many ways. She was always there for the special times and continued to do so for the grandchildren. Granny’s house was a special place where favorite foods were always ready. Each grandchild received a set of Raggedy Ann’s and Andy’s, an afghan, a quilt, and a basket she had made over the years. In later years her great-grandchildren were blessed by her love and talent. She loved her garden, especially her flowers; she loved sharing them whether it was at church or with friends on special occasions. She was very faithful to keep flowers on her parents and husband’s graves. She loved feeding people whether it was chicken pie at family gatherings, fried apple pies at church, popcorn balls for trick or treaters or a hot roll or cookie just because you came by to see her. Her husband, James Otis Russell, brothers; Aaron and Ray Crouse, and a sister, Kate Smith preceded her in death. Survivors include daughters; Charity Snider and husband Jerry of Cornelius, Margaret Askew and husband David of Denton, son, James Reid Russell and wife Sue of Lexington, sisters; Marjorie Gallimore and Mary Lee Kindley both of Lexington, Grandchildren; Steven Snider, Laura Baker, Scott and Michael Askew, and Brent and Scott Yates, and 14 great grandchildren. The family will see friends Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Briggs Funeral Home in Denton and other times at the residence on Flat Swamp Rd. Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church- P.O. Box 515 Denton NC, 27239