Alma Johnson Russell

Alma Johnson Russell, 83, a resident of St. Francis Village, died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003, at a local hospital.

Memorial service: Family and friends will gather at 2 p.m. Sunday for conversation and memories in the main building at St. Francis Village in Crowley. Alma willed her body to medical research, preferring not to have a funeral.

Memorials: May be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Alma was born in Alexandria, La., on Sept. 1, 1920, to James and Dora Johnson. She attended public school in Fort Worth and college at both North Texas Agricultural College (UTA) and North Texas State Teachers College (UNT), majoring in art and education. Alma was exceptionally independent. After college, she became a draftsman for the telephone company, one of few women in that position. She also began teaching ballroom dancing through the YMCA and then opened Alma Johnson Dance Studio. She opened her second business, Alma Russell Medical Personnel, when many her age were considering retirement.

Alma retired to St. Francis Village in 1989 and was an active member of the community. She was a chair of the Village Activity Committee for several years, founded both the Casa Manana group and the "Get Along" Supper Clubs, and hosted an annual Christmas open house. She was known for her love of and devotion to her family.

Survivors: Daughters, Rhonda Grundy and Robin Massey of Fort Worth; brother, Robert Johnson of Saginaw; sons-in-law, Dennis Grundy and Lonnie Massey; grandchildren, Laura, Daniel and Katie Massey, all of Fort Worth; and nephew, Robert Hitchcock.