Elizabeth Russ

06/29/1947 - 06/11/2022

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Obituary For Elizabeth Russ

Born Elizabeth Randolph Jolly in 1947 Petersburg, her roots go back to the earliest days of the Colony. Primary education began in PA County, then Richmond, moving to Roanoke in 6th grade. 1965 graduate of Patrick Henry High School. Attended Radford College, joined AST sorority, and granted a BS in Art-Education in 1969. Married that same year to her husband of 53 years, Charlie. Also survived by her daughter, Genie; grandson, C.C.; and two sisters, Ann and Wilma. Moving back to Va Beach in 1974, Betsy became an avid tennis player, and, for many years, an instructor for the City’s Parks & Rec Dept. She excelled at card games, especially bridge, with her uncanny ability to "know" which cards her opponents held (ESP perhaps). She taught school for a couple of years, but spent more than a decade volunteering at Pembroke Meadows Elem. In the words of friends: “What a wonderful, full of life person she was indeed! She surely was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, friend and volunteer! She spent so many hours at Pembroke Meadows helping anyone who needed anything! Best rum cake and brownie baker in the world, and the queen of making turkeys from pine cones for the little ones!” “Even when she had to leave her home, she was still the life of the party. If you heard laughter, you would know that Betsy was in the room.” “... a person who knew no strangers.” “She was such a dear friend to many. Her infectious smile & laughter, would bring so much light, energy & fun. She will be dearly missed, and never forgotten.” Betsy was a 2009 breast cancer survivor, but a 15-year battle with dementia lead to her demise. Donations to any highly rated charity seeking to find a cure to Alzheimer’s and other dementias are greatly appreciated. As no public services are planned, please honor her in your hearts.

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  • 06/20/2022

    I will always remember the many fun years we enjoyed on the tennis courts and at the bridge table. Her laughter was infectious to all who knew her. Joyce Zwirschitz

  • 06/18/2022

    Charlie, So very sorry to hear of Betsy's passing. She was a special part of my life. I know you will miss her dearly. Robbie Rice

  • 06/14/2022

    So very, very sorry to hear about Betsy passing. She was so young. She and I were friend while CC and Justin L. were in school together

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