Beverly "Cookie" Stroud Russell

Beverly Stroud Russell, affectionately known as “Cookie,” passed away peacefully at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and unshakable kindness. A native of Chesterfield South Carolina, Cookie was known far and wide for her radiant smile, boundless energy, and the way she made everyone feel like family.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home, with burial to follow at the Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service.

Her passion for shag dancing lit up many a dance floor, while (in her early years) her devotion to music guided her role as a cherished choir director and piano player at her local church. Cookie never met a stranger—in every conversation, she offered warmth, grace, and a sweet soul that drew people to her effortlessly. Many considered her the kindest person they’d ever met.

Cookie was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was the heart of her family—the one cheering from the stands (often the loudest voice in the stands), packing snacks, and shuttling her boys to ball practices and games with unwavering encouragement. Her love was loudest in the small, everyday moments that shaped her sons into the men they are today.

Mrs. Russell is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Jerrold Stroud, Mary “Monkey” Entziminger, Sandra “Sandy” McMorris, Polly Rivers, and Phillip “Bo” Stroud.

She is lovingly remembered by her three sons: David Dyle Russell (wife Michele, daughter Dylen), John Mark Russell (wife Brenda, sons John Dalton and Gabriel), and Joshua Cole Russell (wife Skye, daughter Karis and son Cole). Siblings: Carolyn Marlowe and Betty Ann Stroud. Her family meant everything to her, and she poured her love into each of them with a quiet strength and joyful heart.

Cookie’s spirit lives on—in the melodies of a piano, the rhythm of a dance, the laughter of her grandchildren, and the cherished stories shared around every dinner table. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Russell family.