Cree was born in Oxford, NC on December 28, 1948 and died peacefully in her home on May 31, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Robert Russell; her daughter, Shannon Aldridge and her husband Jim; her son, Robert T. Russell; her mother, Louise Hicks; her brother, Mark Hicks and his wife, Ginny; and her nephews, Brent, Drew, and Matthew Hicks. She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Hicks.
Cree was a loving wife, nurturing mother, caring daughter, supportive sister, kind aunt, and compassionate friend. Cree taught piano lessons for 29 years in Raleigh and her love of music will continue in the homes of many families in the community. She enjoyed gardening, walking, volunteering at North Raleigh Ministries, making music, watching hockey, and was an active member of her church, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.
Cree never met a stranger. She always had a smile, a kind word, and a gentle spirit. She was beyond generous with her love, support, and heart. She left us too soon but we take comfort in knowing that she is an angel now, watching over us in heaven just as she cared for us here.
The family will receive friends at Trinity Baptist Church, 4815 Six Forks Road in Raleigh, on Monday, June 4th at 12:30 p.m. A service will follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America or to Trinity Baptist Church.
Eakes Funeral Home in Oxford assisting the Russell family.
