Angela Russell of Wylie, Texas passed away on October 2, 2019 at the age of 22. She was born on June 14, 1997 to David Russell and Mary Engle-Mathis in Plano, Texas.
Angela was born with significant myelin atrophy in her brain caused by a rare genetic condition that diminished nerve impulse transmissions resulting in profound impediments to mobility, vision, cognitive function, and simple tasks. Yet, her personality and huge smile remain undiminished and she used it to brighten the lives of all who spent time with her. Angela delighted in time spent with family, friends and caregivers, often assisted in participating in the activities of her siblings and friends. She made friends easily and taught all who knew her to experience greater joy and empathy. Angela maintained a special love for music, which she’d respond to with a keen ear, joyous song, and a “rockin” full body dance. Angela also loved listening to Bible stories and books read from her mother, nephew, Isaac, and many caregivers and loved ones.
In-spite of her many challenges, Angela was very accomplished in service to our Creator. She was a key figure in the instigation and motivation for Special-Needs Ministry programs at both Prestonwood Baptist Church and Stonebriar Community Church in Plano and Frisco, Texas. Presently, approximately a hundred families are ministered to each week by each respective church. Additionally, Angela has helped Plano ISD and Wylie ISD develop and improve their respective special education programs with advanced techniques and equipment. Morover, she has met many leading international medical specialists, including leading scientists from the National Institutes of Health, NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, and contributed to the growing body of knowledge on undiagnosed myelin disease.
Angela is survived by her father and stepmother, David and Janice Russell of Plano, Texas; mother and stepfather, Mary Beth Engle-Mathis and Brandon Todd-Mathis of Wylie, Texas; sisters, Sarah, Hannah, and Laura Russell; nephew, Isaac Engle; paternal grandfather, Bruce Russell and wife, Bernice; and numerous other loving family and friends.
Angela was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert E. Engle, Sr. and Barbara J. Engle; uncle, Robert Engle Jr., and Paternal Grandmother, Kathleen Russell.
A memorial service was held on Monday, October 14, 2019 at Prestonwood Baptist Church Faith Chapel in Plano, Texas. The family received friends following the service in the church’s Fireside Room.