Orvie Richey Sockwell, 98, passed away at Mitchell-Hollingworth Nursing Home in Florence, Alabama on May 19, 2009 after a short illness. She was born in Rogersville, Alabama but lived in Florence and Lauderdale County for 90 years. She and her late husband, Lanier H. Sockwell, spent 8 years in Detroit, Michigan. She was a long time faithful member of Highland Baptist Church in Florence,Alabama.
Mrs. Sockwell was predeceased by her husband; her parents, John Taylor and Elizabeth Richey; three brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her daughter, Joan S. Royer and her husband, George Ralston Royer, of Dunedin, Florida, her son, Hubert L. Sockwell and his wife, Sandra McGrady Sockwell, of Florence, Alabama; blessed with four grandchildren; John Russell Royer, of Dunedin, Florida, David Royer of San Diego, Ca., Melanie Sockwell Hollis and her husband, Ron Hollis of Roswell, Georgia, Sharon Royer Carlisle and her husband, John Carlisle of Astatulia, Florida; and three great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Sockwell was a devoted and loving wife and mother and will be greatly missed.
Her family will receive friends at Elkins Funeral Home of Florence from 12:00 -2:00 p.m. on May 20, 2009 followed immediately by the funeral service at 2:00 o''clock officiating by Dr. John Brock and Rev. Chris Underwood, with burial at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be members of the Lester Wooten Men''s Sunday School Class at Highland Baptist Church.
Expressions of sympathy may also be made in loving memory of Orvie Magdalene Sockwell in the form of donations to Highland Baptist Church Building Fund.