Shirley Howard Russell

Shirley Howard Russell, 84, of Marion, and formerly of Lick Creek, died Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Integrity of Marion.

She was born on April 10, 1940, in Cobden, the daughter of Ogle and Mirel Afton Chitty Hubbard. 

On Feb. 14, 1957, she married Junior Lee Howard. They were married for over 39 years until his death in 1996. She later married Roger Russell on July 24, 1999. He survives.

She more than anything was a wife, a mother and a grandmother. She particularly enjoyed her grandchildren very much. She had worked in housekeeping at Cape Girardeau hospitals and enjoyed attending Lick Creek Pentecostal Church when her health permitted. In her leisure time, she enjoyed listening to music and watching television. 

Survivors include her husband, Roger; sons Luther Howard, Rex (Midi) Howard, Chester (Dorothy) Howard and Charles (Laurie) Howard; daughter Libby (Tim) Coffey; numerous grandchildren, great-grand-children, great-great-grandchildren, nephews and other relatives.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Junior Lee Howard; a daughter, LaWanda “Janie” Snyder; and a sister, LaWanda Saunders.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro. The Rev. Randy Wheaton officiated. Interment followed the service at Mt. Hebron Cemetery. 

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.