Vanessa Linette Russell

Vanessa Linette Russell died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at the age of 53, after a brave fight against a congenital heart condition. Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11 am at Griffin Mortuary Chapel. Private Disposition under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Vanessa Linette Russel was born March 12, 1971, in Lubbock, Vanessa called “Lisa” by friends. She graduated from Lubbock High School and worked in the food industry after school. 

But her chief focus was her family and her home, creating a place where all felt welcome.

There, she enjoyed cooking favorite dishes, smothered pork chops or mac n cheese, reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing with her dogs, Boots, Lulu and Mack. She had a favorite day of the week which was Saturdays. Not because it was a break from the work week, but because she would spend the day with her grandson, DJ, eating snacks and watching movies together.

Those days spent together formed a strong bond between Vanessa and DJ, memories that will help him keep his grandma close in the years to come. 

Her love for Saturdays was up there with her favorite color, purple, her affinity for butterflies and her dogs, Boots, Lulu and Mack. She and DJ also loved taking long walks. She loved to laugh, and despite her heart condition, kept telling jokes, no matter how ill she became. Her courage inspired all who knew her.

She believed always In the need to do good for others, and that any kindness given would be returned. That is the example she set for all who knew her.

Vanessa was preceded in death by her siblings, Angela Jones and Steven Devroe; and her stepson, Kenny Russell.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Kendrick Russell; daughter, Jasmine Devroe (David) and grandson David Barnes Jr.; son, Jordan Russell; mother, Ella Devroe; stepdaughter, Kendra Russell (Aaron) and step-grandchildren, Cavan and Fernando; niece, Alaysia Jones; and nephew, Cameron Jones, and a host of other relatives and friends.