Geraldine "Gerry" Culps DiNella, age 87, of Muscle Shoals, AL died Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at ECM Hospital following a brief illness.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at St. James United Methodist Church on Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, with Rev. Charles Canterbury officiating. Visitation will be at 1:30p.m., followed by the service at 3:00p.m.

Mrs. DiNella was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Ronald R. DiNella, her parents, Henry Robert and Zania Davidson Culps, and six siblings.

Mrs. DiNella was born in Athens, AL, grew up in Gallatin, TN, and graduated from Martin Methodist College, Pulaski, TN. She was the devoted mother of five children, Ron DiNella of San Diego, Ellen Reinlie (Bob) of Florence, Dr. Ken DiNella (Cindy) of Americus, Georgia, Dr. Tom DiNella (Leslie) of Nashville, and Glenn DiNella (Margaret) of Birmingham; and grandchildren, Brooke and Blair Reinlie, Jason, Adrienne and Nick DiNella, Ava, Muriel, and Vincent DiNella, and Joe and Cary DiNella.

She had a special fondness for the J.O.Y. Sunday School Class at St. James United Methodist Church. Mrs. DiNella enjoyed attending the UNA Institute for Learning in Retirement for many years, her long-time membership in the Town and Country Garden Club, and flower gardening--particularly roses. She was a dog-lover, with an affinity for her devoted Yorkshire Terriers and rescue dog, Daisy. In recent years, Mrs. DiNella loved spending time with her children and grandchildren at her home on Donnegan Slough. She also relished quiet time there, watching the songbirds and waterfowl. She said she felt closest to God when the waters were calm, as she likened the glassy surface to the mirror of God.

The family wishes to thank friend and caregiver, Mrs. Chris Johnson, whose assistance allowed Mrs. DiNella to remain active until her illness. They are also thankful for the prayers and compassion of her pastor, friends, neighbors, and ECM Hospital caregivers in the Palliative Care Unit during her brief illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. James United Methodist Church.