Wanda Lee Russell passed from this life on October 26, 2025 at Coleman Holiday Hill. There will be a Visitation with family at Heartland Funeral Home beginning at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 8, 2025 prior to a graveside service at Eastlawn Memorial Park about 3:00 PM.
Wanda was born July 28, 1939 in Brown County Texas to Delter Lockhart Hillyard and Annie Jewel Rushing. She moved to Odessa in 1945 and graduated from Odessa High School in 1957. Wanda then attended and received an Associate’s degree in Cosmetology from Howard Payne University in Brownwood Texas. Since her graduation from Howard Payne, she lived in Brownwood, Fort Worth, Comanche, Bangs and settled in Brownwood for duration of her life. Wanda became the vocational/cosmetology instructor as well as a youth activity supervisor at Brownwood State School and worked there until it became Ron Jackson correctional facility. It was there she met her long-time companion William Pat O’Bryan and continued her employment for 27 ½ years. He preceded her in death in 2021. Wanda was a lover of all things outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and shooting practice with friends and family. She was also known for her delicious Rum Cake that she shared with so many friends and had many ask for repeats.
Wanda was honored by Brown County 4-H for her adult leadership for Roy and Raye Ann’s 4-H projects. She served in numerous organizations as a leader or was always willing to help in anyway. She was an active member of the NRA both local and national organizations. She also served as a member of the Wounded Warrior’s project organization as well at the USO. Wanda was a member of the New Life Assembly of God church in Brownwood Texas
One highlight of Wandas life was developing the museum and pavilion at Kruger Hill in Brownwood which was the command center for General Kruger where he oversaw the troops at Camp Bowie. She proudly drove the Command Car for Eddie Arnold in a Brownwood downtown parade. She prided herself in making sure the US flag was always flying high with a flag that was not tattered or worn. The flag on Kruger hill can be seen for quite a distance as it flew over Brownwood.
Wanda is survived by her son Roy Russell of Brownwood; her daughter, RayeAnn Russell of Brady; brother, Louis Hillyard and wife Trixie of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and sister Anna Shelda of Kingston, Washington; and many nieces and nephews as well as countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043
