Obituary of Joyce Ann Russell

Joyce Ann Russell, age 81, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017, at her home in Lone Grove, Okla. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in The Chapel at Griffin ~ Hillcrest. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Ardmore, Okla.

Joyce was born on October 28, 1935, to Lloyd Norton and Opal (Nelson) Norton, in Mannsville, Okla.  Joyce attended school in Ravia and her family moved to Modesto, Calif., where she graduated from high school. She went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company at the age of 18. Joyce moved to Ardmore and then was transferred to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and later to Oklahoma City. She retired from Southwestern Bell with over 21 years of service. She married William Russell on July 14, 1993. Joyce continued spending time with people and making friends as she sold Avon. Joyce embraced her role as a mother, grandmother, and aunt to her family. She will be remembered for her famous pecan pies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons: William Lee “Bill” Russell Jr. and James Marcus Russell, granddaughters: Sabina Samuels and Jill Henderson, paternal grandmother, Bertia Meadows, aunt, Oleta Turner, sister-in-law, Annie Vines.

Joyce is survived by her husband, William Russell, of the home, daughters: Esther Bokal of San Antonio, Texas, and Camie Best and husband, Jeff, of Comanche, Okla. Son, Donald Sampley of Devol, Okla. Grandchildren: Heather Cooper and husband, Darryl, Chrissy Clevenger and husband, Chad, Stephanie Davidson and husband, Josh, Nicole McMahan and husband, David, Derrick Freshour and wife, Lachelle, Bryce Samuels, Marcus Russell, Hope Samuels, Paige Samuels, April Weed and husband, Casey, Janice Dove, and Ama Sampley. Great-grandchildren: Devin, Jaci, Caden, Donovan, Jackson, Addie, Ella, Abigail, Declan, Breleigh, Asher, Elissa, Christian, Desi, and Lex. Sisters-in-law: Reecie Miller, Edith Cossiart and husband, Danny, and Rose Tiner and husband, Terry.  Special cousin, Sharon Keith and husband, Gary, of Ardmore, and their children: Stacy Keith, Greg Keith and wife, Mindy, and their children: Taylor Williamson and husband, Drew, Rylee Keith, and Garrett Keith. Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday evening, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, June 12, 2017, at Griffin ~ Hillcrest, Ardmore.

Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Davidson, Greg Keith, Alan Gustine, David McMahan, Steve Vines, and Tim Dougan.

Condolences may be left at www.griffinhillcrest.com.