Juanita Russell

Juanita Lucy Russell, 101, of Oak Ridge, and better known as "Granny," passed away Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Feb. 2, 1917, in Cape Girardeau to George and Ruby Drum Cobble. She was married to James Russell, and he preceded her in death April 27, 1969.

Over her 101 years, she had worked as a cook at several restaurants, including Fruitland Sale Barn, Sunny Hill, Sand's, Jer's and Frontier Restaurant. Granny was able to continue to drive until the age of 93 and canned until she was 99.

Survivors include her five children, Dean Wills of Cape Girardeau, Bill (Carolyn) Wills of Fruitland, Jim (Jeri) Wills of Oak Ridge, Phyllis Scott of Jackson and Patricia (Wills) McCall of Oak Ridge; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and too many great-great-grandchildren to list.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Betty Wills; her grandson, Ricky James; and her sister, Odessa Biri.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with Charlie Mangels officiating. Burial will follow at New Salem Cemetery in Daisy.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Salem Methodist Church, and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.