Obituaries

Mary “Kay” Russell passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and special friends on Saturday June 14, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Jerry Ray Russell, sister Shirley Shields, and her parents Rachel & Harold Pete Dottery. She leaves her son Kevin Russell and daughter in law Sarah Russell, daughter Jennifer McBride and son in law Jeff McBride, grandson Brandon Russell, pending great grandbaby twins that she was excited about, her precious Dollie, and grand puppies Bella Mae and Daisy. Kay was a long time successful local business owner of Stone and More that provided culture marble products in the East TN area as well as donations to habitat homes of those in need. She was also a successful business owner of K&J enterprises. She loved to create, buy, sell jewelry. She loved her yard, plants, dogs, crafts, reading books, shopping, and trips to the beach. She was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, and daughter that went above and beyond for her family.

Special thanks to her friend Carol Custer and her spouse John, thank you so much for meeting with us on our special bucket list trip to Tampa / Homosassa.

Special thanks to UT Alcoa Oncology infusion nurses, Kay loved to see you girls despite the reason for the visit and each and every one of you brightened her day.

Special thanks to Dr. Ryan & Dr. Kerr hospitalists at UTMC that have taken care of her on multiple UT inpatient admissions over the past couple of years. They went above and beyond for their care of my mother and understanding the goals we had for her. Thanks to the other UTMC Hospitalists that have also taken care of her the 20+ admissions she had since 2021.