November 19, 1958 - February 12, 2022
Teresa Russell went home to be with Jesus on February 12th, 2022, after losing her battle with COVID. Teresa was born in Lodi, CA on November 19, 1958 to Linnie and Harold Staggs. She graduated from Lodi High School in 1976 then moved to Susanville.
Teresa married Jonathan Purvis in 1981 and welcomed three gorgeous, talented, intelligent, and witty daughters from 1982-1984. Her daughters were gifts to her, and she took pride in being their stay-at-home mom. She taught them resilience and patience, kindness and strength. She also imparted her astonishing cooking skills to them, especially to her middle daughter, Ashley. Less so to her youngest, Morgan, who adamantly disagrees. Actually, that’s a lie. Morgan got Teresa’s talent in the kitchen. Jamie is the best cook baker. Who is writing this thing, anyway?
Teresa loved her children and was blessed with memories with all six of her grandchildren. Whether traveling to Washington, Montana, Texas or just across town, Teresa loved to play peek-a-boo with them as babies, singing to them at bedtime, cooking chocolate chip pancakes, and weekly FaceTime calls in between her visits.
Teresa remarried in September 2000 to Robert “Bob” Russell. They enjoyed golfing together in the sun, Teresa reliably in her sun visor, and would later open a restaurant to share her love for food, friends, and gathering within the community. Teresa enjoyed time in her garden--planting, cultivating, and harvesting fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Her daughters also enjoyed the bounty, often eating fresh tomatoes off the vine with a saltshaker in hand.
In 2010, Teresa’s twin brother and sister passed away. However, the same year, she gained two sisters and a brother after discovering three half siblings whom she had never met. She was immensely grateful for this surprise and spent the last decade developing connections and meaningful relationships with them and will be greatly missed by all.
Teresa is survived by her daughters Jamie Purvis, Ashley Corbally, and Morgan “Bubba” Ackley (Mat), and husband Robert Russell; sisters Cari Neely, Denise Wade (Dan), and Katherine “Kathy” Fleming; brother Bill Kenoyer (Joanne); her parents Harold and Linnie Staggs; her favorite granddaughter Alison Purvis (“Ali-oop”) and grandsons Ryan Angel (“Ry-Ry”), Peyton Corbally, Luke Ackley, Liam Corbally and Eli Ackley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Teresa was preceded in death by her sisters Sheryl (“Sherry”) Staggs and Cynthia (“Cindy”) Davis, and her twin brother Robert (“Rob”) Staggs who, as it would so happen, also passed away on February 12, 2010.
Teresa was known by many names, including Aunt TT, Nana TT, Grandma Teri, Grandma, Honey, and most importantly, Mom. Her life was a gift, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Rest well, Momma, we love you so.
SERVICES:
Memorial Services will be held at Cherokee Memorial, 14165 N. Beckman Rd., Lodi, CA 95240 on Tuesday, February 22nd at 11:30am.
Family or friends are welcome to send flowers to: Cherokee Memorial, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Russell family.
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