Deb MacKenzie
It is with reluctance and grief that we release our beautiful Tracey Dianne Russell, age 61, into the comforting arms of her Heavenly Father. Tracey passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from complications following surgery for a brain aneurysm. She was surrounded by her adoring family as she peacefully slipped the bounds of this earth.
She is survived by her mother, Maryanne Martin of Seaford, VA; daughter, Julianne (Kurdelmeyer) Richardson, son-in-law Joseph Richardson and granddaughter Pryor of Pearl, MS; and her sisters Holly Wiggins of Yorktown, VA, Debbie MacKenzie of Greensboro, NC, Allison Orlin of Atlanta, GA, brother Christopher Martin of Blue Ridge, GA and her sweetest love and partner, Anil Singh of Germantown, TN. She was preceeded in death by her father, Robert Martin and brother, Frank Martin.
Tracey Dianne (Martin) Russell was born (April 8, 1961) and raised in Miami, FL. She graduated from North Miami Senior High School and shortly thereafter found her way to Memphis, TN where she lived, laughed and loved for nearly 40 years.
Being a mom to Julie and “Lala” to Pryor was the greatest joy in Tracey’s life. She also shared deep connections in Memphis with many cherished friends who she considered her family. Those who knew and loved her agreed that she was an angel on earth. Her smile was radiant, her heart was generous, and she shared herself with any creature in need.
Although Tracey spent years working in retail for Joseph’s, Lori James and Sugar Plum, her true life's work was caring for helpless animals. Without hesitation, she frequently stopped on the side of the road to rescue stray dogs, and then painstakingly searched for their original home or foster home or even taking them into her own.
Those of us blessed to have shared our lives with Tracey now have a colossal hole in our hearts, and even though we may not know each other personally, we are all connected by her.
Please use this space to leave any message you wish: a personal story, a memory, or your feelings of grief.
Together, we will remember.
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A celebration of life is in the planning stages and will mostly likely be held in January 2023. Please watch this space for more information.
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ANIMAL RESCUE AND FOSTER
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the animal rescue and foster organization which Tracey supported.
Mid-South Animal Rescue League
www.marlcares.org
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CEREBRAL ANEURYSM
A bulge in a blood vessel in the brain that can rupture.
Warning Sign: "the worst headache I've ever had" also known as a "thunderclap headache". Immediately call 911.
Risk Factors: Smoking, High Blood Pressure, Family History
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THANK YOU
Tracey's family would like to thank the medical team at Methodist University Hospital, Downtown Memphis. Most especially the nurses who guided in understanding the complexities of her injury and cared so deeply for Tracey: Monique, Lindsay, Katie, Emily and Andrea.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A celebration of life is in the planning stages and will mostly likely be held in January 2023. Please watch this space for more information.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ANIMAL RESCUE AND FOSTER
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the animal rescue and foster organization which Tracey supported.
Mid-South Animal Rescue League
www.marlcares.org
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CEREBRAL ANEURYSM
A bulge in a blood vessel in the brain that can rupture.
Warning Sign: "the worst headache I've ever had" also known as a "thunderclap headache". Immediately call 911.
Risk Factors: Smoking, High Blood Pressure, Family History
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THANK YOU
Tracey's family would like to thank the medical team at Methodist University Hospital, Downtown Memphis. Most especially the nurses who guided in understanding the complexities of her injury and cared so deeply for Tracey: Monique, Lindsay, Katie, Emily and Andrea.
