Irene Russell

GLADYS  IRENE  ROUNTREE  RUSSELL, age 82 entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her loving family on Monday ,January 15, 2024, at her residence. She was a native and resident most of her life of McMinn County, daughter of the late Emra Thomas "Stump" and Gladys Ditmore Rountree and is preceded in death by her husband: Larry Don Russell, Daughter: Deborah June "Debbie" Ivens, Sister: Betty Jean Rountree, Brother: Earnest Thomas "Tommy" Rountree, son-in-law: Sam Kirk Gardner.  Irene was a consistent presence of love among her family as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and cousin.  Irene’s walk of faith began many years ago as a child.  As she completed her journey of sanctification in Jesus, she touched many lives through serving her family, coworkers, friends, and community in numerous ways.  Irene gave of her love, intelligence, and grace in raising her children.  Outside of her home she spent many years of loyal service occupationally to Sullivan Freight Lines and Calhoun Transportation Service.  Irene loved her church family at Mt. Verd Baptist Church, where she served many years as church treasurer and superintendent of Vacation Bible School.   Irene served her community through local schools as a substitute teacher and PTA President.  In her last years, although physically limited, she continued as a prayer warrior for all of those she loved and cherished.  The family would like to thank special care-givers Melissa, Debbie, Rachel and the team at Hospice of Chattanooga.

Survivors Include: Three Daughters and sons-in-law: Sharon Annette Gardner of Alma, Illinois, Karen Irene and Timothy "Tim" Sliger of Athens, Tenn.,  Penny Gail and Kirk Martin of Athens, Tenn., John Ivens; Son and Daughter-n-law: Tracy Don and Bedelia Russell of Cookeville, Tenn. 7 Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Sliger, Sarah Simmons, Jake Sliger, Nathan Gardner, Emma Russell, Aaron Martin, and Abby Russell 1 Great Grandchild: Sean Simmons  Sister and Brother-in-law: Becky and Harold Smith of Athens, Tenn, Brother: Benjamin Rountree of Athens, Tenn., several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 21, 2024, in the Chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Dalton officiating. Interment will follow in McMinn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4-7 Saturday, January 20, 2024  and 1-2 Sunday in the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/gladys-russell

 Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.

 The family asks that memorial contributions be made to:  The Debbie Russell Ivens Memorial Scholarship, McMinn County High School, 2215 South Congress Pkwy., Athens, TN 37303