Patricia Russell's Obituary
Patricia “Pat” Marie Glover Russell of Florissant, Missouri, formerly of Decatur, Illinois,
answered the Master’s call and transitioned from mortal life into eternal rest on July
31, 2023.
Patricia was born on August 15, 1947, to the union of William T. Glover and Marie
Oliver Glover in East St. Louis, Illinois. William and Marie were blessed with four
daughters, with Patricia being the first. They were affectionately known as “The Glover
Girls”. As Big Sissy she always watched over her siblings, she always had a calming,
soothing nature.
At an early age Patricia accepted Christ at Westside Missionary Baptist Church where
she and her sisters sang in the choir. One of her biggest achievements years later was
to rejoin Westside and become a Greeter. She loved serving the Lord.
Patricia attended Arlington Grade School and Soldan High School until their Mother
relocated to Decatur, Il when she was a sophomore. Patricia was instantly popular;
with her infectious personality and gorgeous looks. She immediately got a job at Ed’s
Record Shop. Everyone loved her and she loved everyone.
No one loved her more than Thomas E. Russell, and at sixteen years old she became
his wife. They were married for fifty-five years and to this union, they would welcome
sons, Thomas Jr. and Adrian.
Patrica was employed by Borg-Warner and K Mart. After attending Richland
Community College, she worked in Decatur Public Schools as a Teacher Assistant. Her
pride and joy was her Mary K Business And being a help mate and dedicated
caretaker for Tommy, for over 20 years.
Patricia loved reading her Bible and playing with her dog, Pierre. She loved working
with and encouraging others and spending her spare time with her cousins, Carolyn
and Marion and special niece, Stephanie.
Patricia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend. Patricia
was truly loved, and will be dearly missed and will live in our hearts forever
Patricia was preceded in death by her father, William Glover; husband, Thomas
Russell, Sr.; sisters, Laverne Gude and Deborah Johnson.
Patricia was loved and will be dearly missed and live forever in our hearts. She leaves
to cherish her memories: her mother ~ Marie Oliver of Dallas Tx; sons ~ Thomas Jr.
of Sioux Falls, SD and Adrian of Las Vegas, Nevada; sisters ~ Lois (Tyrone) Oldham,
Decatur, Il and Teah Henderson of Dallas Tx; brother ~ Robert Henderson of Decatur,
Il; special friends ~ Juanita and Bev; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren
cousins, nieces, nephews and friends
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?
