Martha Kelly Cockrell, 80, of Gurley, passed away Wednesday.
Martha Kelly Cockrell was born September 26, 1943 in Gurley, Alabama and died August 7, 2024 in Huntsville, Alabama at the age of 80. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Kaneda Kelly and Martha Elkins Kelly, as well as her children, William Michael Barry and Karen “Cissy” Cockrell, her husband Darrel Cockrell and her sister, Diane Kelly. Martha is survived by her daughter Janet Cockrell and her brother James Kelly, both of Huntsville, and her sister Ceta Kelly of Kentucky. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kaneda Szarlip and Dakota Szarlip, and her great-granddaughter, Alaska Szarlip, all of Ohio, as well as Martha’s best friend, Amy Walker of Wetumpka, Alabama. Martha had numerous nieces and nephews.
Martha was best known for her red fingernail polish, her love of NASCAR racing, (especially Kevin Harvick) and all things Elvis Presley. She never met a stranger and was the first to offer a helping hand to others. Martha was a conscientious caregiver to her elderly family members, as well as her buddy Jeff, and like many strong Southern women, she was the rock of the family.
Funeral services for Martha Kelly Cockrell will be held Wednesday, August 14 at 1 p.m. at the Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ on Highway 431 with Martha’s cousin, Pastor Harold Kelly, officiating. Private burial will take place at the Byrd Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Martha’s memory to Still Serving Veterans, 626 Clinton Avenue, Suite 200, Huntsville, Alabama 35801.
