Edna Mae Thomas Russell

October 3, 1917 ~ September 13, 2002
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Arden ~ Edna Mae Thomas Russell, 84, died peacefully at her home Friday, September 13, 2002.
Born Edna Mae Thomas in 1917 to the late Charles and Dora Thomas, Mrs. Russell was a native of Osceola, PA and moved to North Carolina in the late forties. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Russell, her son, Thomas F. Russell and her grandson, John Paul Russell.
A devoted wife, mother and loving grandmother, she was the core and strength of her family. Her home at 568 Long Shoals Road in Arden hosted many family gatherings. Her generosity, great sense of humor, and kind and gentle nature will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her son, Richard Russell of Arden; her daughter, Joyce Coutlakis of Asheville; eight grandchildren, Angie Fulmer, John Coutlakis, James Coutlakis, Peggy Simpson, Debbi Craven, Michael Russell, Link Russell and Mark Russell; six great-grandchildren and a brother, Lewis Thomas of Elkland, PA.
A memorial service will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Sunday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with Rev. Roger Rearden officiating.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
A wonderful woman as evidenced by her terrific family. Thank you for the opportunity to have met you. Peace be with you.
I am so saddened by Aunt Edna’s passing. It has been years since she was last home (Elkland) but I will always remember her gentle way and warm laugh. Although we are all so far away we are sharing your pain. You have our prayers.
Pamela Fish
(Granddaughter of Lewis Thomas)
I’m not really sure what to write here…but I wish like anything I could have been there to say goodbye in person. I’m thankful I got to talk to Aunt Edna on the phone last month when I went to my father’s and that I was lucky enough to visit her a couple of years back. I treasure the memories of her and hold her in my heart always and know she’s up there with my mother (Ruth Thomas Sando) and the rest of both sides of her family, giggling away and reunited with everyone she’s missed.
I can’t wait to see them again. I miss them all so much and my heart goes out to Dick and Joyce and all the family. I love you all and am there in spirit, praying and thinking of you all. If there’s anything I can do…let me know.
In Loving Memory of My dear Aunt Edna: You have been such a wonderful presence throughout my life. The sunshine of your loving presence, shall forever be your legacy!