Patricia Russell Fisher

Patricia Russell Fisher, 81, of Knoxville, Tennessee, died peacefully on December 8, 2025, at Morning Pointe, the Lantern. Her journey through Alzheimer’s disease was marked by faith, courage, dignity and grace. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher, and friend, Patricia’s life was defined by service, faith, and her deep love for family and community. Born on November 20, 1944, in Claiborne, Tennessee, Patricia is the daughter of Irby Esco Russell and Mossie May Mayes Russell. She grew up surrounded by music, faith, and a powerful sense of purpose. A gifted athlete, she excelled in basketball and volleyball through high school and college where she cultivated a lifelong appreciation for education and physical wellness. She was an exceptional pianist and loved music. Her advocacy for others would become the cornerstone of her career and legacy. Patricia earned her degree in Education with a specialization in physical education from Lincoln Memorial University, dedicating her professional life to inspiring children to discover their own capabilities. She taught at Gibbs Primary and Halls Middle School, Halls and Adrian Burnett Elementary Schools, and Karns Intermediate and Primary School. Long before physical and occupational therapy were formally integrated into schools, Patricia and her husband Bruce designed and made tools to incorporate into the classroom so that children of all abilities could take part in her lessons. She championed inclusive education decades before it became standard practice, emphasizing compassion, creativity, and opportunity for every child. Her students fondly remember her enthusiasm for personal accountability and expressing kindness to all people no matter race, color, or creed. She encouraged each child to do their best, always celebrating effort and heart. Beyond her classroom walls, Patricia lived the words she taught. She served as a deacon, choir member, member of many committees through the years at Central Baptist Church of Bearden. She also volunteered for many years with Mission of Hope and Lighthouse Ministries at Austin Homes in Knoxville. Faith and family were at the center of Patricia’s life. She shared more than five decades of marriage with her beloved husband, Bruce Fisher, with whom she traveled across the United States, Canada, as well as a few trips across the pond. Whether snowshoeing, hiking, or simply exploring new places together, their adventures reflected a shared joy in life and nature. Visiting family in Colorado was among her greatest pleasures, and she could always be persuaded to try new experiences like fly fishing and ziplining. Patricia is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce Fisher; her children, Faith Ann Fisher (James Jaggers), Russell Thomas Fisher (Lynne Cardilino). Grandchildren; Elliot Grace Halpern, Benjamin Fisher Halpern, Nathan Jaggers, Jennie Jaggers, Joseph Jaggers, Samuel Jaggers. Aunts and Uncles; Wanda and Coy Von Simmons, Carolyn Mayes, and their respective children; Michael, Doug, and Michele. Brother-in-law; Joseph Fisher (Cathy). Sister-in-laws Ann Konzal (Mark Konzal) and Sara Fisher. She was loved by dozens of cousins as well as other extended family and many loving friends. She is preceded in death by her parents: Reverend and Mrs. Irby Russell (Mossie) and brother, Arlin Mayes. A funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ (Knoxville, Tennessee) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m, with private inurnment immediately following in the cathedral columbarium. A celebration of life will take place at Central Baptist Church of Bearden on January 9, 2026, at 2pm, followed by a reception at the church. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimers Tennessee Foundation (alztennessee.org) or Lighthouse Ministries at Central Baptist Church of Bearden (central Bearden.org). Patricia lived by the words of Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Her life was a testament to that truth, and her goodness will continue to shine through every life she touched. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Patricia Russell Fisher

November 20, 1944 - December 8, 2025