Patricia Marion (Gibbs) Russell

Patricia M. Russell, 90, entered into the presence of God on August 3, 2015 at the Franklin House with family and friends at her side.  She was born in Waltham, Massachusetts.  Her vocation was as a private nurse after her training in Massachusetts.  She was the wife of the late William Fowler and more recently the late Lawrence Russell.  Patricia was also preceded in death by six siblings, Yvonne, Emily, Daniel, Nancy, Sally and Joseph.

Those left to remember her are her devoted Boston Terrier, Scully.  Her youngest brother, Timothy Gibbs and wife, Judy, and their children Lori and Andy and his children keep her in their hearts.  Also to remember her are step children Lawrence Russell, III and his wife, Mary Gayle; Karen Cole and her husband, Wade; and her loving step‑grandson, Christopher Russell, his wife and children. She also leaves many nieces and nephews including Carol Begin McGuire and husband, John; Jacqueline Hull and husband, Peter.

Many wonderful friends from St. John’s Episcopal Church who cared tenderly for her and the Nantahala Hiking Club will always remember Pat.

Patricia loved the outdoors and has hiked most of the Appalachian Trail to Vermont after she was 65. She enjoyed birding and gardening and loved woodworking.  She also loved children and volunteered at East Franklin Elementary and the Cartoogechaye Elementary School for many years.

A celebration of life service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 9th at 3:00 PM and will be officiated by Reverend Carl Southerland.  In lieu of flowers donations may be given to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 542 St. John’s Road, Franklin, NC 28734 or the Nantahala Hiking Club at 173 Carl Slagle Road, Franklin, NC 28734‑7813.

The family would like to thank the staff at Franklin House, the Angel Hospice and St. John’s Episcopal parishioners for giving Pat tender loving care and guiding her to her beloved Jesus.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.