MRS. CATHERINE RUSS

Ms. Catherine Elizabeth Russ, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and kindness. She was a woman of strong conviction and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and faith. Born on September 2, 1941, in Havana, Florida, she was the beloved daughter of the late John Henry Thomas and Mother Yvonne Norwood Thomas. On January 22, 2025, Mrs. Catherine Elizabeth Russ was called home to be with the Lord after an extended illness.

Catherine was a faithful member of Faith of God for years under the leadership Bishop Larry Atkinson. In recent years she became a member of the Willing Workers Prayer Band and Deliverance Center, under the leadership of Pastor Sam Thomas. She served the Lord with joy, and one of her favorite moments was when Bishop Clarence Adamson would say, "Anybody wanna go to heaven?" Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she found great comfort in worship and fellowship. Let us not forget the many hats she has and that beautiful smile under those “Big Hats”.

She began her career as a sales associate at J.C. Penney’s before joining Champion International Industrial Company, where she worked diligently for 15 years until she became disabled. Despite life’s challenges, Catherine found joy in the simple things - cooking delicious meals, taking peaceful car rides, but most of all loving on and watching her grands and great grands grow. These things brought her moments of happiness and relaxation.

Catherine was preceded in death by three of her children, Willie Frank Russ Jr., Barak Russ, and Charles Fasion, as well as one grandchild, Shannon Mills. She also mourned the loss of her siblings, three sisters Lillie Ruth Boyd, Sylvia Johnson, Violia Richardson, and one brother, Van K. Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memories of a loving family: one daughter, Mary Kelly Edmond (Harvey), and one son, Timothy Kelly. Her legacy extends to three stepchildren, Angela Stanford, John Stanford Jr., and Willie Stanford. Seven grandchildren, Danielle Loyd (Quillian), Felton Kelly, Clarence Cooper (Delores), Travis Kelly, and Charles Fasion Jr., all of Waycross, Georgia, and Shemaiah Russ (Ladera) of Hawaii, continue to carry her light. Her love and influence also touched fourteen great-grandchildren and nine great great-grandchildren, all of Waycross, Georgia. Among her surviving siblings are three brothers, Henry Thomas of Waycross, Georgia, Elder Sam H. Thomas (Pearlie) of Nashville, Georgia, and Freddie Taylor (Shirley) of Jesup, Georgia, as well as four sisters, Edith Hunter, Joanne Williams (Robert), and Carolyn Middleton, all of Waycross, Georgia, and Betty Browning of Valdosta, Georgia. She also leaves behind one sister-in-law, Lottie Thomas of Douglas, Georgia. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and one special son Clarence Cooper (Lois).

She will be remembered for her loving spirit, wisdom, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though she is no longer with us, her faith and love will continue to shine through the lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Please continue to keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.

**Family and friends are being received at her residence located at 1810 Overton Ave., Waycross, GA 31503**

Services of care and comfort entrusted to the caring professionals of Fluker Funeral Home, Inc., 985 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross, Georgia 31501
"Our Aim Is To Be Worthy Of Your Confidence”

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