Obituaries
 By  Staff Reports Published 
12:35 pm Monday, April 11, 2016

Willa Jean Cody

Willa Jean Cody, 76, passed away April 3 at UAB Hospital, Birmingham. She was born in Marion County to Nermon Kelly and Lois Terrell Kelly. She worked for AT&T as a telephone operator for seven years and was a member of Bethel Church of God, Red Bay.

Services were April 7 at 2 p.m. at Bethel Church of God with Bro. Tony Bartkoski and Kelly Bartkoski officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Golden, Miss.

Survivors are two children, Cynthia Cody and Michael Cody, both of Red Bay; five grandchildren, Kelly Bartkoski, Jessica Kent, Alyssa Chambers, Brooklyn Chambers and Randy Cody; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Christine Reach, Red Bay, and Virginia Wolfe, Birmingham; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dwane C. Cody, son Carson Cody, her parents and three brothers, Ray Kelly, Hugh Kelly and Ricky Kelly.

Pallbearers were Cody McGraw, Matthew McGraw, Joseph Reach, Barry Reach, Tyler Reach, Russell Reach, Greg Kent, Ricky Holland and Cully Cody.

Visitation was April 7, 1-2 p.m., at Bethel Church of God.

Also on Franklin County Times
The sky turned black, and he lived to tell it
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Brady Petree, Addie Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — By the time April 27, 2011, arrived, Rodney Smith had already grown accustomed to the warnings. For days, sirens had gone off across F...
EMA warns: Don’t rely on storm sirens
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County EMA Director Mary Glass said outdoor warning sirens should not be residents’ primary alert system during severe weather...
Ex-principal recalls lost students, teacher
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
SEARED IN THEIR MEMORIES
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — On the morning of April 27, 2011, Phil Campbell Elementary School (PCES) Principal Jackie Ergle was aware of the threat of severe weat...
West Elementary hosts Careers on Wheels
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — West Elementary students climbed into concrete trucks, explored emergency vehicles, and learned about skilled trades during the school’...
Cultura Garden Club spotlights pollinators
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
April 29, 2026
Bees, butterflies and plenty of garden talk filled the room as Cultura Garden Club members gathered at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellvill...
State should broaden its readiness definition
Columnists, Opinion
April 29, 2026
Families across Alabama are asking hard and necessary questions about what’s next for their high school students. What’s the right path for my child? ...
Local group seeks to help veterans
Franklin County, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Veterans in Franklin County who need help with groceries, transportation, meals, wellness checks and caregiver support may not always k...
Free CPR, home safety programs offered
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Fire Department is offering free CPR classes, smoke detector installation and home safety inspections as part of an ex...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *