Jamie “Carolyn” Russell passed away peacefully at home, August 16, 2022.
Carolyn was born June 30, 1941, in Sherman to James “Jim” H. Washburn and Annie Laurie (McGill)
Carolyn graduated from Sherman High School in 1959. She attended Texas Christian University and then transferred to East Texas State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. She earned her Master’s degree from Nichols State University. She also earned many certifications for her job and did post graduate work toward her Doctorate degree. Carolyn married Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Russell August 19, 1961 in Sherman. They lived in many different places including West Texas, New Orleans, Sherman, Australia, Scotland, and Houston. Eventually they returned to Sherman to “retire”. They enjoyed having juice and coffee together every morning and riding around in the truck to check on the cattle in the evenings. Over the years, they also enjoyed traveling with her sister Norma and her husband Bob. In her 40+ year career in education, she worked as a Teacher, Diagnostician, and was a Counselor at Sherman High School at the time of her retirement in 2013. Even after her retirement, which she called her final “graduation” she would see one of “her kids” and they would always come up to her to say hello and update her on what was going on in their lives. She was also very creative. Once as a 4H Leader, she wrote and directed a play that won a grand champion award at the state competition. She was always available to help on school projects, even when it meant a late-night trip for supplies. Carolyn was a great listener. When asked once about her job as a counselor, she said, “People usually know the answers to their problems. They just need someone to listen, so they can work it out.” Lovingly known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren, she enjoyed spending time with them. She could be seen at concerts, recitals, and award ceremonies. She was the first one to support a fundraiser or a shopping trip. They loved being with her and enjoyed sleeping over at Mimi’s. Carolyn was a beautiful person inside and out. She was the BEST wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Annie Laurie, and her sister Norma Ann Farrer. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Jerry Russell of Sherman; daughter, Laurie Hatch and her husband Richard of Sherman; sons, Jim Russell of Houston, Jay Russell and his wife Shana of Friendswood; granddaughter, Courtney Kanyilmaz and her husband Batuhan, along with great-grandson, Bora Cooper Kanyilmaz, all of Istanbul, Turkey; granddaughters, Ashley Murphy of Sherman, Natalie Russel, Nadiyah Russell, both of Houston, granddaughter, Amber Tidwell and her husband Kris, of Carrollton, and granddaughter, Brittany Russell of Austin. The family received friends Monday, August 22, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022 in the chapel at Waldo Funeral Home. Burial will be at West Hill Cemetery following the Funeral Service. A special thanks to Home Hospice of Grayson County and Linda Jones, her caregiver. Online condolences may be made at www. waldofuneralhome.com.
