Carolyn Smith Russell's Obituary
Carolyn Smith Russell was born June 21, 1935, in Longview, TX to her parents Mildred and Aaron Smith, and passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 90. She was raised in Fort Worth, TX by Mildred and Ray O. Shaffer (6th generation Pioneer Family). Carolyn attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO as well as Texas Christian University.
Carolyn married her husband of many years Ralph H. Russell in 1956. Together they lived all over, including Houston, TX, Pampa, TX, Wichita Falls, TX, Seminole, OK and Enid, OK before moving to Venezuela from 1963 to December of 1968. Having lived in various Oil Camps before moving back to Longview in January of 1969. Carolyn was an active member of the community, including Vice President of E.C.W, Newgate, Windridge and Jr. League of Longview. She ran Consignments by Carolyn and Estate Sales by Carolyn. She was also a devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church and served on many committees over the years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Harrison Russell, her parents Aaron Trice Smith and Mildred (Mimi) and Ray O. Shaffer, and her cousin Maud Norton Bivins (a cousin whom she called her sister).
She is survived by her sons; R. Kevin Russell and wife Melissa of Fort Worth, J. Kelly Russell of Aledo and Raymond S. Russell and wife Cindy of Longview. Her grandchildren; Matthew D. Russell and wife Brandi, Stephen A. Russell and wife Hunter, Amande Lee Russell, Shaffer Harrison Russell and Sydney Lauren Russell. As well as her bonus grandchildren; Hudson Travis Key, Charles Briggs Key and Lily Beth Key. She is also survived by her great grandchildren; Hayden Brook Russell, Ruby Shane Russell, Houston Harrison Russell and Evelyn Monroe Russell. As well as Susan Smead Russell Pope (mother to Stephen and Matthew) and Brandi Cottingham (mother to Sydney Lauren Russell). Her brother James (Jim) M. Shaffer, nephews Christopher H. Shaffer and Michael R. Lilly, nieces Shannon S. Leg, Glenda P. Shaffer and Susan Pankowsky. Cousins; June Bivins Baumel, C. Kyle Smith and G.P. (Trey) Smith III. And finally, her godchildren; David Russell Brammell of Las Vegas, NV, Nina Brammell Friend of New Orleans, LA, Russell Miles Bancroft of West Linn, OR, Leigh Elbert Winkler of Dallas, TX and Rachael Schuler of Austin, TX.
Carolyn was known as Mom to her sons, Gigi to her grands and great grands and Bullmouse to her friends. Let’s just say she liked to do things her way. She will be missed by many! She loved helping her family and friends connect with people or find things they needed. She loved to travel, but her favorite place was the “Tres Changos” house in Acapulco, Mexico. She also loved her many friends in “Birthday Club” and Garden Club”!
The family would like to thank Mom’s care givers; Maria Velencia (Lupe), Shardae Howard, Latoyna Ramsour, Willia King, Stephanie Jackson, Hawkins Creek Assisted Living and Longview Regional Hospital Staff.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center - PO Box 680 Diana, TX 75640
Newgate Mission – PO Box 3891 Longview, TX 75606
Trinity Episcopal Church of Longview.
Services for Mrs. Russell are currently pending.
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