Billie Marie “Mimi” Russell

Billie Marie “Mimi” Russell, 92, longtime Hope resident and teacher passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025.

Born in 1933 in New Boston, Texas to parents, Keith and Maria Thomas, Billie Marie’s life changed forever in 1952 when she married Carter Russell, and moved to Hope where Carter established Russell’s Smokehouse, which thrived for decades. Their marriage was soon blessed with the birth of two sons, Keith and Thomas (Tommy) Russell.

After establishing her family, Billie Marie returned to school and received an elementary education degree, which led to a long and rewarding career as a teacher at Hope Elementary School. She retired from teaching after decades of helping and teaching youngsters. Her married life was further fulfilled with her devout Christian faith and her active service to her church.

Billie Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carter, and her son Thomas. She is survived by her son Keith Barton Russell, her brother, Don Thomas and his son Donnie Thomas, grandson Carter Russell and his wife Sarah and their daughter Nora Russell, grandson Riley Russell and his wife Mary Margaret and their daughter Charlotte “Lottie” Russell.

The family wishes extreme thankfulness to Willie Dean Mayes, her dedicated long-term caretaker.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.