Barbara Lee Russell

Barbara Lee Russell, age 83, went to meet her Savior on June 30, 2021, after a long journey with Parkinson's dementia. She was surrounded by her family at home in Hindsville, Ark. Barbara Collins was born on February 27, 1938 in Fresno, Calif., to Lee and Marie Collins. Barbara married Gerald (Jerry) Russell on September 15, 1956, in Fresno, Calif. For almost 65 years, she moved alongside Jerry's careers in the Air Force and construction from Fresno to Lincoln, Neb., to Woodland, Calif., and then Tucson, Ariz., prior to settling in Arkansas in 1973. She was a wonderful homemaker, and raised chickens for Simmons' for 25 years before retiring in 2002. She deeply loved her family and friends and showed her love by serving, listening, and "worrying" about them. She was an example to us all of a Proverbs 31 woman. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Her tremendous faith and trust in God was the center of her life and she could be found every morning in her special chair reading the Bible and praying. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by family around the dinner table. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; and son David. She is survived by her husband, Gerald (Jerry); and four children, RoLynn Thornton, Jim (Kelly) Russell, Melanie Russell, Paul (Julie) Russell; and her dog, Corky. "Mema or Mamaw" was blessed with 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and five grand-dogs. Other survivors are her brother, Bob (Joy) Collins; and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to her granddaughter, Aubrey Johnson and her family, Bryan and Lily who selflessly cared for her in her final years. Circle of Life Hospice was an incredible blessing to the family in her final weeks. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at Rogers First Assembly of God Church on July 17th at 10:30 a.m. Following the service will be lunch at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NWA Circle of Life Hospice, Springdale, Ark. https://nwacircleoflife.com