Audrey Lee Fuller Russell, “Dede”, 79, of Coldspring, TX, died December 8, 2018, at her home in Coldspring. She was born November 19, 1939, in Houston, TX, to Ida Mae and Lester J. Fuller.

Audrey spent her first 13 years living in Houston but moved to Baytown in 1951 and was a 1957 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School. It was here that she met her future husband and love of her life, John Russell, with whom she was married for 58 years.

Audrey attended Sam Houston University and after her graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree she returned to Baytown where she and John were married and raised their family of four wonderful children. Audrey was a teacher for 24 years in Baytown who positively impacted her students, with most of those years spent teaching at Alamo Elementary. As a retiree she was instrumental in the success of the Families Learning Together through the literacy program with the Sterling Municipal Library in Baytown.

In 2008 Audrey and John retired to Coldspring, Texas and stayed happy and busy with a never ending list of activities, friends and volunteering with their church, Coldspring United Methodist Church.

Audrey was never happier than when she was surrounded by family; at a family gathering, her organized “Sewing Camp” or when she was being loved on by a grandchild tasked with “Dede Duty”. That smile and love for her large family and many friends will always be remembered. Her sense of humor, compassion for others and devotion to helping those less fortunate will be missed by so many people that her kindness has impacted.

Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her husband John, sisters Jo Hinkle and Ann Chandler, children, Jana Buchmann and her husband Craig, Cheryl Abshier and husband Greg, Allen Russell and wife Heather, Gary Russell and husband David Heiland, grandchildren Bryce Buchmann, Connor and Falyn Buchmann, Andrea Buchmann, Corbin and Allison Abshier, Christa Abshier, Kendall Russell, and Katherine Russell. Several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coldspring United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Coldspring United Methodist Church.