Joyce Marie Russell

Joyce (Jo) Marie Russell was born on June 7, 1949, in Hereford, TX, to Hoot and Norene Poarch. She graduated from Hereford High School in 1967 and attended Eastern New Mexico University on a rodeo scholarship, later transferring to West Texas A&M University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Jarrell Russell, Jr., in Canyon, TX; the couple moved to Shamrock, TX. Jo worked as an elementary school teacher and bus driver at Lela ISD for several years, then completed her career as a second grade teacher at Shamrock ISD, where she retired in 2005. She loved her students and was a lifelong teacher. Jo was a devoted Sunday school teacher, earlier, at Eleventh Street Baptist Church in Shamrock, TX, and later at Heald United Methodist Church in Mclean, TX.

Jo was a competitive barrel racer, competing and winning in AJRAs in her younger years, and later at a college level and professionally. She qualified for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo in 1972. Throughout her barrel racing career, she won many different rodeos and awards, including buckles, saddles, and trailers. Her adventurous spirit did not stop with fast horses, as she daringly partook in three tandem skydives, attached to her son-in-law, by the way! She was courageous and fearless in everything she did.

Jo worked alongside her loving husband, Jarrell, of 55 years, farming and ranching, along with their children. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. If you had the privilege of knowing her, then it was almost certain you were loved by her, as well; that was her character. She had a deep love for the people around her and always tried to care for them in any way she could. She never met a stranger, as she would speak to anyone, and before the conversation was over, she knew their life history and truly cared for them. She would help anyone out however she could; her love and generosity were boundless.

Jo, also known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchild were her pride and joy. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren at their different events and spending any time she could with them. She enjoyed playing with her great-grandchild and teaching her the letters of the alphabet and how to count.

Jo came to know her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 7 at the First Baptist Church Hereford in Hereford, TX. She was known to be a strong lady, but her faith was even stronger. She shared her faith with others like she shared her love – endlessly. She went to rest with her Heavenly Father on March 17, 2026.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, Amy Sue, her sisters, Lynne Carlile and Renee Poarch-Browder, and her brother, Wesley Poarch. She is survived by her children, Desha and husband Troy Brown of Stephenville, TX, Charley and wife Jessica Russell of Shamrock, TX, and Laci and husband Tracy Longley of Stephenville, TX; grandchildren, Twister Brown and wife Peyton, Talyn Brown, Natalie Russell, Ashlie Russell, and Kasidy Russell; great grandchild, Taci Brown; sister, Candace and husband John Stagner of Canyon, TX, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Mclean Methodist Church, in Mclean, TX, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charitable cause.