Edith Rathbone Russell, 84, died on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at her residence. Edith was born in Haywood County on December 9, 1933, to the late Hugh and Edna Messer Rathbone. She lived a simple life and will be remembered for her love of her church and her church family. Edith was a talented basketball player in high school playing in the position of center. She enjoyed working at the truck stop where she made many friends. Edith was lifelong member of Panther Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Russell; brothers, Jimmy, J.B., and Howell Rathbone; and sisters, Eva Rathbone, Geraldine Rathbone, Ruth Lynch, and Doris Ann Chambers.

Edith is survived by her son Denny Russell and his fiancé, Carol Missildine; a daughter, Tammy Cole and her fiancé, Michael Payne; grandsons, Kyle and Cody; five step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Trixie.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 15, at Panther Creek Baptist Church with the Reverends Ronald Greene, Jerry Nelson, and Billy Ferguson officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
A message of comfort may be left for the family and a word of comfort may be left for the family at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com. The Scoop sends our warmest condolences to the Russell Family.