Jimmie Woodruff Pilati, 90, passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at her residence.
She was a native of Franklin County, a graduate of Russellville High School and the University of Alabama. She was the first registered dietitian in Northwest Alabama. Mrs. Pilati served a residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and she taught at Loyola University in New Orleans. She attended First United Methodist Church in Russellville.
Mrs. Pilati was a Master Gardener in both Texas and Alabama and was active many years in the Russellville Cultura Garden Club. She was a longtime volunteer at the Russellville Public Library and a supporter of the Friends of the Library program. She wrote a regular column for the Franklin Free Press to share her passion of gardening with others. While living in Houston, Texas, Mrs. Pilati did extensive volunteer work and was honored for her volunteer efforts with UNICEF. Mrs. Pilati and her husband enjoyed traveling and visited five continents and many countries together.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John C. and Millie Woodruff, and brothers, Harry Copeland Woodruff and Jack Woodruff.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Karl H. Pilati, daughter Anne Firouzbakht (Ali), son John Pilati, soon to be daughter-in-law, Angel Harris, two grandchildren, John Burke and Helena Burke, sister-in-law Doris Woodruff, nephews Mark Woodruff (Patty) and Copeland Woodruff.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Spry Memorial Chapel. Visitation for Mrs. Pilati will be at First United Methodist Church in Russellville, from 12-2 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2019, with funeral service immediately following at the church. Burial will be in Franklin Memory Gardens. There will be a private family graveside service.
Family members want to express their gratitude to Nancy Hulsey and Luz Cortez for their care of and friendship with Mrs. Pilati in her final years as well as the staff of Kindred Hospice for their care and support.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
