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Paula Russell, 87, of McAlester, died Saturday, March 21, 2015 at her home in McAlester. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Bishop Chapel of Memories. Service arrangements are under the direction of Bishop Funeral Service.
Marie Paula Sperry was born August 1, 1927 in New York, New York to Elmer Ambrose and Helen (Duffy) Sperry. Paula grew up in New York and Connecticut, and attended Brearley and Miss Hall’s Schools. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1951 with a dual major in English and Child Psychology.
Paula was multi-talented in the Fine Arts arena. In her youth, she excelled in figure skating and theatre. Paula also played the piano, wrote poetry, and later became proficient in ballet. In addition, she was an accomplished equestrian. But acting was Paula’s primary interest until she met John (Jack) Russell in her teenage years. Eventually Jack won out, and Paula gave up a second lead on Broadway to marry the love of her life on June 19, 1948 in Wilton, Connecticut. She then embarked on a career as homemaker, eventual mother of five children, and loving wife, in a sixty-six year marriage union.
Paula was a devoted Christian, most recently attending the Northside Assembly of God Church in McAlester.
She is survived by her children: John R. Russell, Jr. and wife, Wanpen of Bellevue, Nebraska, Ann Morley of Fort Worth, Texas, Peter Russell of McAlester, Michael Russell of Albany, New York; grandchildren: Pom Williams of Moss Point, Mississippi, Jane Russell Klem of Bethel, Alaska, Ben Russell of Nevada, Texas, Sheila Russell of Hartford, Connecticut.
Also, siblings: Elmer Sperry, Helen Ward Mannix, Ann McGrath, Richard Sperry; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Elmer Ambrose Sperry and Helen (Duffy) Sperry; her husband: John Raymond “Papa” Russell, Sr. on August 19, 2014; daughter: Mary Crawford; and a grandson: Joseph Russell.
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