Janet Lee Russell

Janet Russell Mull, age 77, passed away on April 2, 2026, at her home in Austin, Texas. Born Janet Lee Russell in Sinton, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy Priest Russell and O.J. Russell. Janet dedicated over 40 years of her life to teaching, shaping the lives of countless students with patience, care, and commitment. In addition to her long career in education, she also served briefly as a social worker, continuing her lifelong calling to help others. Even after retirement, Janet remained drawn to working with children. She continued her work through tutoring at Sylvan Learning Center and Huntington Learning Center and by substituting in public schools. Her passion for helping young people never faded. Janet found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved old black-and-white movies, enjoyed cooking, and most of all cherished time with her children and grandchildren. Her life was centered around her family. She will be remembered as a deeply dedicated, determined, and independent woman. Janet faced life with resilience, never allowing difficult circumstances to define her future. She was empathetic and encouraging, always celebrating the successes of her children and urging them to see the positive in every situation. Janet was a devoted member of the Church of Christ. Even when she was unable to attend in person, her faith remained strong as she faithfully watched services from home and spent time in scripture. Her commitment was evident in the well-worn pages of her Bible, a reflection of a life grounded in faith. She was preceded in marriage by Leland William Stanford and Robert Mull. She is survived by her three sons, Russell Stanford, Ryan Stanford, and Tres Stanford; her two grandchildren, Ian Stanford and Jeremiah Stanford; and her sister, Kathy Wentworth, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Janet was especially proud of her children and the lives they built. Her love for them was unwavering, and her greatest joy was seeing them grow and succeed. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 20th at 3:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Pines. Flowers may be sent to the church at 7825 S Broadway Avenue, Tyler, Texas 75703. We will miss her deeply, but we are grateful for the life and love she gave us.

Janet Lee Russell

September 28, 1948 - April 2, 2026