Joanna Russell, 90, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and formerly of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, died Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Ocklawaha, Florida. She was born on June 24, 1935, a daughter of the late Joseph and Reva Ross.
Joanna grew up in Meshack, Kentucky, marrying Joel Johns and having her daughter Deborah before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana where she worked at RCA records for several years and then had her son. She then went to work at Standard Grocery Stores for 14 years and worked as a cashier while being a housewife and mother to two more daughters. After 36 years of marriage with Joel, she divorced and remarried Archie Russell for 27 years where they worked together running the House of Franklin Restaurant for several years in Franklin, Indiana. They then retired and moved partially to Ocala, Florida where they still have a home.
Joanna was the wife of Archie Lee Russell and Joel F. Johns, who preceded her in death.
She was the mother to four children, who survive, Deborah Trimmer (Vurl), Jimmie Johns (Jose Valencia), Kimberly McLean (Marty), Jennifer Keefer(Zane); eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. She was a sister to 8 brothers and sisters, and aunt to several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husbands Joel Johns and Archie Russell, a step son and step daughter, Parents Joseph and Reva Ross, a sister Shirley, and two infant brothers.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:00am at Yokley Trible Funeral Home with burial to follow at the Smith-Ross-Monday Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday morning after 10:00am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donation in Joanna’s memory may be made to Smith-Ross-Monday Cemetery c/o Mark Williams.
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