(1941 - 2020)
Sue Lewis Russell, age 78, of Ducktown, passed away January 2, 2020. Sue was born February 4, 1941, in Ducktown, to the late Edward and Maggie Lee Addington Lewis. She was preceded in death by her son, Shelley Lamar Russell; brothers, Gordon Lewis, Bill Lewis and Jerry Lewis; and sisters, Judy Lewis and Anita Davis.
She was a member of Mine City Baptist Church. Sue was retired as the Director of the Copper Basin Senior Center. She also worked in the Polk County Tag Office, the Polk County Clerk’s Office and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. She was a very loving, compassionate, upbeat and generous person. She gave unconditional love and support to her family and friends. Sue was a proud grandmother, always attending her grandson and granddaughter’s activities at school. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed updates about her grand-dogs, Ernie and Jax; and her grand-cats, Tina Turner and Sophia Loren. She had a passion for helping homeless animals, having adopted three cats, Thomas, Maggie and Miss Kitty. She also had many cats spayed and neutered and fed numerous cats at the park near her home. Additionally, she was a true southern lady who enjoyed a lively conversation about politics and the importance of patriotism.
She is survived by her loving spouse of 60 years, Jackie Russell; daughters and sons-in-law, Sonya and Tom Edwards and Jan and Shane Benefield; grandson, Matthew Hawkins; granddaughter, Amanda Hawkins Cataldo and grandson-in-law, Chris Cataldo. She is also survived by her niece, Laura Lewis, who was close to her heart.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 5, 2020, from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Charles Hodges officiating. Eulogy was given by her daughter, Sonya Edwards. Music was provided by Ryan and Holly Norton. Pallbearers were Matt Hawkins, Shane Benefield, Tom Edwards, Chris Cataldo, Mark Raper and Lucus Raper. Honorary pallbearers were Bristol Ray, Tyler Ray, Stephen Spargo, Philip Spargo and Dakota Harris.
She was laid to rest at Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the service. Donations in memory of Mrs. Russell may be made to the Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic, 163 E. Tennessee Avenue, McCaysville, GA 30555. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Ducktown/Copperhill was in charge of arrangements.