On March 21, 2017, the gates of heaven opened wide and Carolyn “June” Russell walked into the arms of her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The sparkle has returned to her eyes and her sweet laughter can be heard throughout the corridors of heaven. Where June once taught the women of Midland Bible Church, Trinity Towers, and Manor Park, she is now listening at the feet of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…\tJune, or “June Bug,” as she was affectionately known by her family, was born on April 13, 1934, to Bessie and Tom (TG) Logan. She grew up in Sweetwater, Texas, where she graduated from Sweetwater High School. While in school, she met a handsome young man, Bill Edward (BE) Russell, who swept her off her feet. They were married on August 10, 1951. She and Bill worked side by side for 58 years, until he was called home to be with the Lord.\tJune was blessed with two beautiful daughters who loved her dearly, Patti Owens and Ann White, along with their husbands, Jerry Owens and John White, respectively. She adored her precious granddaughters, Lynn and Diann Owens, and her grandsons, Steven Plumlee and Clay White. While Steven once played at the knees of his grandmother, he now welcomed her home as she entered through heaven's gates. She truly loved her family. She spoke often of them, with great pride in her voice!\tJune also loved her “Rocky Acres” farm. She could be found every spring planting her onions, tomatoes, and peppers. She was never afraid of a little dirt under her nails. She loved cultivating the soil, watching the seeds take root, springing forth into new life. She shared her wisdom for horticulture with many people, including those at the Permian Basin Master Gardeners Association, where she was a member since the groups’ inception in 1991.\tBut even more than planting in the soil of West Texas, June loved planting seeds of God's Word in the fertile hearts of young women. She stood much taller than her 5'2” frame when she opened up the Scriptures and proclaimed His love. Her fingers would gently glide over the well-worn pages of her Bible as she would read her chosen text: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Many lives were changed for eternity, all because of her boldness and her love for the Lord.\tOne area where June walked and spoke with boldness was in El Comedore, Mexico. For years she regularly visited that little town on the Texas/Mexico border. She faithfully followed the Lord's leading, and as a result, a church was built, and men, women, and children were introduced to their Savior.\tWelcoming June to her heavenly home is her husband, Bill Russell, of Midland, Texas; her grandson, Steven Plumlee, of Midland, Texas; her sister, Amber Cree, of Abilene, Texas; her sister, Joyce Hollingsworth, of Big Spring, Texas; and her parents, Bessie and Tom Logan, of Sweetwater, Texas. She is survived by her daughter, Patti Owens, and her husband, Jerry Owens, of Midland, Texas; her daughter, Ann White, and her husband, John White, of Stanton, Texas; her grandson, Clay White, of Stanton, Texas; her granddaughter, Lynn Owens, of Watauga, Texas; her granddaughter, Diann Owens, of Carlsbad, New Mexico; and her nieces and a host of friends, many of which called her “Grandma June.”\tServices celebrating June's life will be held on March 24, 2017, at Midland Bible Church, 5900 Whitman Drive, Midland, Texas, at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch on March 23, 2017, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Midland Bible Church, 5900 Whitman DR, Midland, TX 79705 or Permian Basin Master Gardeners Association, PO Box 60562, Midland, TX 79711.\tAlthough June will be greatly missed, if you listen carefully, you just may hear a new voice, singing old hymns, at our King's throne. No longer silenced by Alzheimer's, Carolyn June Russell, a woman after God's own heart, is praising her Savior all the day long…\tArrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
