MARY T. RUSSELL
Mary Theresa Russell was born on September 24, 1930 at Hotel Dieu in Beaumont, Texas to Charles J. Russell and Mary Dowling Russell. After graduating from St. Anthony’s High School in 1947 she received a scholarship to the University of ST. Thomas in Houston, and was a member of the University’s first graduating class in 1951 with a B.A. in English, and a minor in History and Philosophy. Her teaching career began in 1951 at Fannett ISD teaching grades six through twelve. Her career continued for thirty-six years with assignments including High School English at Hamshire-Fannett ISD; Jr. High English at Anahuac ISD; and adjunct position teaching English at Texas A & M University, finally in an administrative position as Curriculum Director for Spring Branch School District in Houston, Texas. She retired from Spring Branch ISD in 1987.
Ms. Russell was a devoted Catholic serving on many committees and was active member from many years at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fannett, Texas.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, and long time friend and companion, Robert M. Winzer. She is survived by a host of friends and former students whom she loved dearly.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2006 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 9894 Gilbert Rd., Fannett, Texas with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s 134 W. Buccaneer Dr. Winnie. A gathering of family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2006 with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Winzer/Mary Russell Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hamshire-Fannett ISD, P. O. Box 223 Hamshire, Texas 77622, or to St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, 9894 Gilbert Rd., Beaumont, Texas 77705.
