Lillian Elizabeth Russell

Lillian Elizabeth Russell, age 96, of Flint, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. Bartholomew Anglican Church, 9252 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, with Fr. Gene Geromel officiating. Visitation will take place from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, December 5 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, and again at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 9 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to St. Bartholomew Altar Guild or a charity of one’s choice.

Lillian was born on January 1, 1929, in Flint, the daughter of the late Eric Granlund and Eva (Sorenson) Horner. She graduated from Bendle High School and later worked for the Swartz Creek Community Schools as a library clerk and substitute until her retirement. She was united in marriage to Herschell Russell on April 10, 1948, in Flint; he preceded her in death in 2016.

A devoted and founding member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Lillian was active in the Daughters of the King, the Altar Guild, and member of the YMCA. She generously donated her time volunteering with her daughters’ 4-H programs and treasured the friendships she made with her beloved group, the “Ladies of the Night.” Lillian enjoyed camping, knitting, running, gardening, and pruning with her trusty loppers.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (Dan) Harris, Douglas (Diane) Russell, Norene Leatzow, Dale (Dianne) Russell, and Noelle Collins; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lillian was preceded in death by her stepmother, Peggy Granlund; 2 sons-in-law, Douglas Leatzow and Matthew Collins; and daughter-in-law, Mary Russell.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the compassionate staff with the Medical Team Hospice and the Homestead Health Care Group with Woodhaven - Fountain View.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com