Edythe Charlene Kenney Russell

Edythe Charlene Kenney Russell, 97, of Dumas, TX passed peacefully away on April 5, 2025 at BSA Hospital in Amarillo, TX.

Charlene was born July 28, 1927, in Asher, OK to Willie Avin Jones Kenney and Fred McCay Kenney. In the mid 1930’s, the family moved to Dumas, TX. She attended Dumas High School where she met George Ervin Russell. They married on May 12, 1944, in Dumas, TX. They moved to Boston, MA where Ervin served in the United States Navy during World War II. They returned to Dumas after the war ended, had a family and made a good life for themselves. They lived there for the rest of their lives. Charlene and Ervin were married for 47 years. Together, they attended and were members of First Baptist Church where Charlene sang in the choir and Ervin served as a deacon.

Charlene worked approximately 20 years for Southwestern Public Service until her retirement. Since she was a child of the depression, she was tough, resilient, frugal, loving, and very innovative. She learned to play golf, was an excellent seamstress, and became an awesome artist. After retirement, she took lessons for oil painting of which her family will enjoy her beautiful artwork for generations to come.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ervin; brother, James R. Kenney; sister, Gloria Woodman; and grandchildren, Dhana Sparks and Stefanie Sparks Faught.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Sparks and husband Larry; son, Scott Russell and wife Susan; brother, Hilliard M. Kenney; grandchildren, Robyn Alexis Russell Kelln and Stephen Scott Russell; six great-grandchildren; and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to a charity of your choice.

Private family services will be held at a later date.