Obituary of Kathleen Diane Russell

Kathleen “Kathy” Diane Russell Kathleen Diane Russell was born on June 10, 1956 in Tacoma, Washington. She was the second child of 6 born to her mother, Dixie Taylor (Wright) .Her older brother was Dennis ,followed by Tammy, Douglas, Robert,and Michael. Kathy grew up in Tacoma and she attended Lincoln HS. While she was living with her friend Ann, she was looking out a window and watching some guys playing basketball. One of them, James Purnell Mapp (12/27/1951) noticed and began to dunk some baskets. He came back a little later to show-off his purple and white ChargerRT. He was in the US Army and stationed at Fort Lewis. He was from Exmore, Virginia. They began talking and never stopped. They were together every day and have been for 35 years. Their first son, James Purnell Mapp, Junior, was born on April 12, 1975 in Tacoma, Washington. Their second son, André Michael Mapp was born on February 9, 1977 in Tacoma. James was on active duty and was stationed in Korea for a year. After he returned to Fort Lewis, he was in Panama for jungle training. His next assignment was in Alaska for jack frost training. His next tour of duty was at Camp Pendleton, California. He returned again to Fort Lewis and was honorably discharged with 15 years of service. Kathy was a loving and caring mother with high hopes and dreams for her children. While James was gone, she made sure her boys were in school and well-cared for. She welcomed James’ daughter, Amber Dawn Morris, into her family. Amber was born on February 13, 1979, in Tacoma, Washington. Several years later, when she was 13, James’ daughter Melissa Danielle Chillous(5/10/1981) found her way into the family. Kathy enjoyed being a mother and providing a loving family for the children. As a young mother, she began working at a nursing home in Tacoma. She decided to go to Clover Park Community College to get her certificate for Nursing Assistant. She went to work at Western State Hospital in Lakewood. She worked there for nearly 11 years until she was injured by a patient. After she recovered, she went to work at Rainier School for Disabled children. She was there for 5 years. She went to work for the US Postal Service at the Bulk Distribution Center in Federal Way. Her health problems made it impossible to continue. After she was home for a while, and was feeling better, she went to work at Cascade Cookies in Kent. Her son, Jr worked there and the connection gave Kathy an opportunity to design displays of cookies for various stores. Kathy was a loving mother to the 4 children. She was accused of spoiling the boys. She picked up their clothes and prepared their favorite foods, even if it meant another trip to the store. After all the children were married, she continued to spoil them, and when the grandchildren came into the family, she enjoyed them and spoiled them in the same way. Each of them received a new nickname. JR married (8/11/2001) Shanna Marie Page. Their son James Purnell MappIII was born on October 3, 1999 and is called “JT.” André married (7/28/2001) Shawna Lou Elizabeth Thompson. They have 3 children: Braden Gabriel Mapp was born on April 11, 1997 and is called “Bubba.” Angelo Maurice Mapp was born on October 20, 1999 and is called “Lolo.” Jalen Michael Mapp was born on November 21, 2003and is called “JJ.” Amber has 4 children: Treyvon,the twins, McKenna and Caylee,and new baby,Ryder. Melissa is married (7/22/2008) to Joshua “Josh” Jeffrey Walter Thomas. She has 4 children: Henri Sumario Moss, Jr. and he is called “Mario.” Myesha Aliohna Moss and she is called “Esh.” Montré Samario Moss and he is called “Momo.” Monét Leionna Moss and she is called “Néné.” Kathy was called “Nana” by all of the family after the grandkids came into her life. She was delighted to be a grandmother and she enjoyed having them stay over night so she could spoil them with their favorite breakfast. Kathy was a good cook and loved to have the family come home to dinner. She continued to make their favorite foods when ever they came to her house. After Melissa came home with her new baby in December, Kathy was there to help with the care of the baby and the household chores of washing and drying clothes. She would help anyone in her family who had some need or task to be completed. As the years went by, Kathy’s health issues began to have some changes. She had carpel tunnel issues with her hands, diabetes, and neuropathy. James works at Pollard Group Incorporated as a printer. One of his hobbies is throwing darts. He had gone to Las Vegas for the world competition. Kathy didn’t like to fly in airplanes. If she went somewhere, she would ask, “Who’s driving?” Two weeks ago, while James was gone to Las Vegas, Kathy stayed at home. That Saturday, she talked with her kids and her sister. Sometime on Saturday evening, she collapsed. When James arrived home on Sunday evening, he discovered that she had passed away suddenly the night before. The family gathered around to comfort and care for each other. So many things can be said about Kathy and her love for James, their children and their spouses, and all the grandchildren. She will long be loved and remembered by James her husband of 35 years, Their 4 children: JR and Shanna; André and Shawna; Amber, Melissa and Jay; Their 12 grandchildren: JT, Bubba, Lolo, JJ Trey, (twinsMckenna andMckenzie, Ryder Mario, Esh, Momo, “Néné” Her sisters and brothers: Dennis, Tammy, Doug, Rob, and Mike, Their spouses, children sand grandchildren, Many friends and neighbors.