Shirley Russell's Obituary
Russell, Shirley Lee Likens, 90, passed on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Rocky Creek Assisted Living and Retirement Properties, in Tampa Fl. The last three months she was experiencing “High Risk” falls and a major decline physically which affected her mental status. She was born December 8, 1924 in the Chicago, IL. Area. Her Parents were Loma and Albert Likens. Shirley was one of four children, their names were Albert, Dorothy, and Mabel. She did out live all her siblings, and was preceded in death by William (husband), Jimmy and Michael (sons), Norma (mother-in-law, and her sibling’s spouses. Shirley left behind numerous Nieces and Nephews on the Likens family side. Now on the Russell side, she left behind David (son), Eva and Rebecca (daughters-in-law), ten grandchildren, and some great-grandchildren.
Shirley was an avid student of the Bible which led her to study and graduate at The Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Her love of the Word and children directed her to become a Missionary and Teacher to the Indian children at a Reservation near Bemidji, Minnesota for several years. Later she was at the Midwest Bible in Chicago. She helped direct the children in the Christmas program, and always used her Niece and Nephew as Mary and Joseph. Her teachings continued throughout her life and she volunteered her time to the Church programs by teaching the Children of all ages. The children called her “Grandma Shirley”, a title that she held dearly.
Family was an important focus of her heart. She always remembered those she loved with birthday cards and a card for all holidays. She wanted to let US know she loved each and every Family member.
Before moving to Tampa, she worked at Jewel Tea, and retired from Deluxe Checks in Chicago, after fifteen years.
Shirley had a life changing Blessing, she married William Otis Russell, on Monday, November30, 1981 in Tampa, Fl. Shirley truly now was a Wife and a Grandmother.
In June, 2004 Shirley moved into her new home, Rocky Creek Assisted Living, immediately joining the “Kitchen Band”, their Choir, and participated by singing in all the Special programs at Rocky Creek. The major one was their Christmas program. The Kitchen Band traveled to other Nursing homes where they entertained the residents. She also went to the Woodbridge Elementary School twice a week to read to Kindergarteners and First Graders. She was thrilled again being called “Grandma Shirley” by the students. Over 30 years Shirley was a member of the Hillsdale Baptist Church. She was in the Church Choir, taught the two year olds Bible School. She was also a member of the Prime Timers, where they visited the sick and the shut-ins of their Church.
Donations to the Arthritis Foundation, Hospice Care, or your favorite Charity are requested instead of sending flowers.
The Services will be performed on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 1pm, at the Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 US Highway 301 N., Thonotosassa, Fl. The Graveside Service will be officiated by Pastor Travis D. Smith.
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