"To Russell Family We are so sorry for your loss. Joyce and Gary Underwood"
In loving memory of
Anna Marie Russell
February 26, 1965 - November 20, 2020
Anna Marie Pettit Russell, born February 26, 1965 in Knoxville, went to join her father in Heaven with her family by her side on November 20, 2020. Born and raised in Knoxville, Anna lived in Fountain City attending Shannondale Elementary, Gresham Middle, and Central High School. She began her dental career in 1983 after finishing high school with Dr. Reuben Robinson, earning her Associate Dental Degree along the way. After graduating Dental Hygiene school at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, she joined Dr. Robert Pasco from 1991 until 1997. She then joined the team of Dr. James Madigan in 1997 and transitioned to Dr. Michael Madigan in 2013. Anna was a member of Central Baptist Church in Fountain City.
Anna was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Victor F. & Anne Pettit; maternal grandparents, Steve & Mary Torie; father, Victor E. Pettit and uncle Phil Pettit. She is survived by her husband, Mike; children, Alex & Baylor; mother, Carol Pettit; brother, Steven Pettit; sister, Pam (Benny) Gray; aunt, Connie Griffith; uncle, Thomas (Barry) Pettit; nephew, Ben (Kelli) Booker; niece, Brittany (Tyler) Shope; cousins, Daniel (Stephanie) Pettit and Kari-Anne (Scott) Hamblin & grandniece Ella Kate Booker.
Anna's hobbies included cooking, music, date nights with Mike, going to the lake or beach and traveling (anywhere warm)! She also loved her girl trips, horses, and spending time with friends & family as well as her dogs, Bella & Bubba.
Anna's passions included any opportunity to spend with her children Alex & Baylor, serving her patients throughout the years in her hygiene profession, and being a second mom to so many kids that she was blessed to know through family & friends.
The family would like to thank her oncologist Dr. Wahid Hanna & his staff at the UT Cancer Institute, Dr. Keith Gray at the University of Tennessee Hospital & it's staff, her work family at Madigan Periodontics, and the countless number of friends, neighbors, church, and family for their prayers and support.
Anna has requested to be cremated. Due to current conditions, a private ceremony will take place with the family, and a celebration of her life will be announced at a later time.
Given Anna's love of children, and her passion to fight cancer, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Russell family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.
Tributes
"I?m so sorry to hear of Anna?s passing. I?ll be praying for comfort for your family. "
"To RussellFamily, I was so sorry to hear about Anna passing, I only met her once up at the lodge, but i have known the RussellFamily my whole life. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda Rogoski"
"As a long time patient of Anna's. I want to say she was a awesome lady & friend she done her job well. She always talk about her Mike, Alex & Baylor she was one proud wife & mother. Prayers for her family & friends.....God Bless each one of you.. Carolyn Harrell"
"As a long-time patient of Anna's, I learned from being in her chair, first, her love for and pride in her husband and her sons were always on her mind, and, second, that she was extremely competent and very professional in her work. My deepest sympathy to the family at the loss of a delightful lady, but with the reminder that she leaves warm memories to be savored by all of us. Bruce Foster"
"I was a patient of Anna's for 20 plus years. She was the best Dental Hygienist always making sure that I was comfortable always with that beautiful smile and personality!! She absolutely loved her family and I so enjoyed hearing about the boys and what they were doing and the "girl trips" to the beach or Derby. She will missed. My thoughts and prayers to her family."
"Anna was my hygienist for many years at the Drs. Madigan offices and I always enjoyed my visits with her as much as one can enjoy getting your teeth cleaned. Anna was always upbeat and loved to talk about her family and her travels, especially her girl trips to the beach. I've missed getting to see her on my last several visits and will miss her in the future. My deepest sympathy and condolences to her family and friends. "
"Mike, So sorry for your loss. Anna was such a special lady that always had a smile. Every time I ever met her she would brag on you and the boys. She put up a courageous fight to the end. You and the boys will see her again R. Larry Smith"
"Mike, She was a great lady in every aspect. You never saw her without a smile on her face, and she always took time to brag on the boy's and you. So sorry for your loss. R. Larry Smith"
"Mike, She was a great lady in every aspect. You never saw her without a smile on her face, and she always took time to brag on the boy's and you. So sorry for your loss. R. Larry Smith"
"Dear Mike and The Russell Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. -Traver, Tom and The Madden Family"
"Dear Mike and Family, Am so sorry for your loss. Anna is such a sweet person. May God Bless and keep you during this difficult time. Deepest Sympathies, Eric Julian"
"Mike, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Tim and Kimberly Lawson"
"So sorry for your loss. May Anna Rest In Peace and May the Holy Spirit comfort you during this time. "
"We are so very sorry to hear of Anna passing . Our thoughts and Prayers are with all . Rick & Susan Collins "
"I met Anna and Mike with the great times we had with my twin Anahita and Jimbo. Anna and Mike and us 3 had such great times together that i will always cherish! Mike and Alex and Baylor, your mom was such a shining light with great smiles, positive energy and the best one liners i know! I know we lost more time with her but i see her doing greater work above and will always provide you the path forward. She is with you each and every step. God Bless...... Marvin and Shirin"
"So many memories to share, I forgot a few great ones! She was my ride or die dance partner, favorite dental hygienist, "if Anna's going, I'll go" partner to many outings, charades champ, etc... And so many more great times that are flooding my brain today. Love you Anna Banana!"
"This girl! Fun of the party, smiled with her eyes, a wonderful friend, part of our great 8, and always smarter with her Harvard sweatshirt on! So many great memories! One of few friends who drove up from Knoxville for our wedding in Cincinnati, Myrtle Beach family vacations when the kiddos were young, Friday night's at Applebee's, couples theme night rotation, Hawaii vacation, UT tailgates and games, hearing the news of Princess Diana's death together, being there with us when our precious Boomer died at the lake, many great days boating at Norris, lots of concerts, celebrating our babies' births and birthdays. You we're such a fabric of our lives. Thank you! May God hold you close and keep watch over Mike, Alex and Baylor. We love you!!!"
"Baylor and family, I will keep you guys in my prayers. I?m so sorry for your loss. She was like a second mom to Travis. "
"I was saddened to hear of Anna's passing. I was a patient of hers for many years. She had an infectious smile and a bubbly personality. Her love for her family was obvious as we shared many stories of our families throughout the years. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends."
"I was a patient of Anna's at Dr Madigan's office for about 20 years. She was an EXCELLENT dental hygienist. She was VERY thorough and VERY caring. I always knew when I had been to her that I had been treated by the best of the best. I admired her expertise. I always enjoyed getting to see her. She was a VERY sweet lady and was mighty proud of her two boys. It was very evident that she was a FANTASTIC mother. My heart was shattered when I heard she was sick. I kept her in my prayers and....I still will. She left a wonderful impression on me. My hope is that she passed with no pain. I will miss her smile and giggle GREATLY. May her family be comforted by God's love and may she rest in peace. Teresa (Terri) McMinn "
"No one lit up a room like Anna. Her smile was huge & contagious. You couldn't help but love her dynamic personality & infectious laugh. Gone way to soon:( Kim Longmire"
"Anna, even though I never met you, I feel I know you through your Mom, Carol, my neighbor. I know you are a tremendous fighter, happy person, life of the party, loving to so many. You will leave wonderful memories and special times to so many people. You have fought the fight, now rest, as God will watch over your family until you are all together again."
"Anna, was a second mom to Chase for many years. Hosting sleep overs, picking him up from school, even running him food when I was out of town. He would have preferred to live at the Russell?s house on many occasions, as she always made sure he had a great time. I think God Chase had Anna and Mike. She was such a special person. Always willing to give her time, her energy and her love. She made everyone feel special. God Bless Mike, Alex and Baylor during this very difficult time. "
"Mike, Alex and Baylor, May God comfort you in your time of grief, smile down on you with hope, watch over you with his loving care and walk beside you knowing you will be reunited to spend all of eternity together. It was an honor and a blessing to work with Anna for 25 years and to call her family. I will miss her dearly. Our hearts are broken. Praying for all during this difficult time. Love and deepest sympathy, Marianne Madigan "
"May the lord look over Anna and comfort her to his home almighty. Look over Mike and her boys and family in this time of sorrow and comfort. You will be greatly miss.. David Prince & Family. "