Cathy Russell

Cathy Smart Russell 69 of Safety Harbor, Florida passed away on June 17th, 2023 to go meet her Savior in Heaven.

Cathy was born in Albemarle, NC to the late Cora Lee Whitley Smart and George Bennett Smart Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years David Platt Russell of Safety Harbor, Florida. She is also survived by her son David Matthew Russell and wife Rachel of Palm Harbor, Florida and 3 Grand children Camden, Cooper, and Cash Russell also of Palm Harbor, Florida.

She was predeceased by her daughter Catherine Paige Russell who passed away in 2020. She was also predeceased by her twin sister Chrystal Lynn Smart of Albemarle, NC who passed away in 2011.
She is survived by her sister Jackie Jernigan (Darrell) both of Albemarle, NC. Cathy is also survived by brother George Van Staden Smart (Roelof) of The Netherlands, and many nieces and nephews.

Cathy was very successful in the Financial Services Industry making many friends along the way due to her cheerful, enthusiastic and loving nature. She began as a teller at North Carolina Savings and Loan Association and rising through the Mortgage Divisions of many prominent banks in Charlotte, N.C. and eventually being a Co-Owner in her own firm Harwood-Russell Mortgage Company.

Cathy was a steadfast member and loyal supporter of The Charlotte Mortgage Bankers Association holding many positions over the years. In 2001 she was awarded the coveted Thelma Proctor Award for being The Charlotte Mortgage Banker of The Year.

Cathy was elected to the position of President of The Charlotte Mortgage Bankers Association and remained a devoted member and strong supporter until her retirement in 2016.

Cathy was an avid runner having completed many 5 and 10k events for over 30 years. Most notably were her completions of several national Marathons which included The New York City Marathon, The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC, and the local favorite The Charlotte Observer Marathon. She was a country and beach music fan and loved to dance.

Cathy’s most favorite times were those spent with her family at Sunset Beach, NC during many summer vacations there reading, crabbing with the kids and enjoying intimate family time.

Quick to make friends Cathy was a very special person to all who knew her as she was a beautiful person inside and out.

Cathy had many close friends and associates she cared for dearly and the family is planning a joint Celebration of Life in Charlotte, NC for daughter Paige Russell and for Cathy later this year those details will be announced in September.

Burial Services will be privately held by the family, with Stanly Gardens of Memory in Albemarle, NC managing the arrangements.

Condolences can be expressed in the following locations:
Facebook
The Moss-Feaster Funeral Home website.  http://www.mossfeaster.com  
Memorials (In lieu of flowers) can be sent to: Charity of choice. Or
Suncoast Hospice Care Center 164 West Lake Rd. Palm Harbor, Florida 33782
Phone 727-772-4351
Personal Cards can be sent to:
The Russell Family
2079 Swan Lane
Safety Harbor, Florida 34695

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/9LWSG2SCRCQ39D2L -- link to video

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the family.