Joseph Ellis Watson Jr.

Joseph Ellis Watson Jr., age 55, of Mountain Brook, passed away May 30, 2009. He was born and grew up in Luverne, AL. He was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Express Oil Change and Service Center, a member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church, a graduate of the University of Alabama-1978, Guest Speaker at the University of Alabama Arts & Sciences Entrepreneur Program, Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, past board member of Family and Child Services, and a member of AOCA (Automobile Oil Change Association). As a Kappa Sigma U of A alumni, Joe was on the House Corporation Board and started the Spakman-Duval golf tournament. Joe was instrumental in corporate contributions to many local charities, the most recent being The Children’s Hospital.

Services were held Monday, June 1, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Mountain Brook Baptist Church with visitation from noon until 2 p.m. with Dr. Jim Moebes officiating. Burial was held in Jefferson Memorial Gardens Trussville. He is survived by his wife Cathy Watson, son Tripp Watson, daughters Bess Watson and C.J. Watson, sisters Sylvia Kicklighter, Dr. Jane Lamb (Dr. Roy Lamb), and Gloria Watson, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Joe Watson Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 3710, Auburn, AL 36831.

Wilma Russell Cook

Wilma Russell Cook, a resident of Wetumpka and native of Crenshaw County, died at her home on Saturday, June 6, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Cook; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.I. Russell; a grandson, Jamie Dillon Roy; a brother, Billy Ray Russell, and a sister, Hilda Russell Tranum.

Survivors include three daughters, Connie (Tim) Allen of Birmingham; Patti Cook Roy of Wetumpka; and Leigh Ann (Neal) Carr of Wetumpka; six grandsons Jarrod Allen; Chad, Tyler, and Colby Carr; and Josh and Jeremy Roy; four great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Kayden Carr, Jude Allen and Breille` Roy; one brother, Joe R. Russell and two sisters, Betty R. Speed and Nonie (Sam) Taylor, all of Luverne.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Baptist Hospice, her faithful friend and caregiver, Diane Edwards, along with other caregivers, Billie Speigner, and Shalunda Jackson and special friend, Pat Clark.

Funeral services were held at Pintlala Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 10, at 2 p.m. with burial following in Tabernacle Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends was held Tuesday, June 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Leak-Memory Chapel and on Wednesday at the church from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Pallbearers were her grandsons Jarrod Allen, Josh and Jeremy Roy; and Chad, Tyler, and Colby Carr.

Honorary pallbearers were nephews of Mrs. Cook, Joe R. Russell, Jr., Teeny Russell, Hamp Russell, George Tranum, Jim Tranum, Butch Speed, Edward Speed, Rusty Taylor, Jason Taylor, and Harry McNeil.

Memorial donations may be made to Tabernacle Historical Association 14835 Hwy. 31 Hope Hull, AL 36043 or to Rutledge Cemetery, care of Joe Dexter Flynn, 156 Canna Lily Dr., Rutledge, AL 36071.