Obituary of Martha Gail Joiner

Martha Gail Joiner passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 4th after a sudden onset of pneumonia due to congestive heart failure. Gail was born on August 4, 1938 to Mr. & Mrs. Verbon Watkins in Talladega, Alabama. She graduated from Talladega High School where she was the head cheerleader. She met Doyle, who was the quarterback at Clay County High School, while they were in school. They were married on December 24, 1955. She graduated from Jacksonville State University, and began a teaching career that lasted 30 years. She continued with her education, and earned a Master’s Degree in Education and Instructional Media from JSU. She spent most of her years in Education as the Head Librarian at Ellis Junior High School. Gail remained active after retirement, opening a small antique store where she relished in finding treasures and matching these with her friends. Gail loved gardening, and spent many hours working in her perennial flower beds. She volunteered many hours at The Samaritan House. Gail also served on the City of Talladega Library Board, and enjoyed sharing her love of books with everyone. Gail loved serving as her family’s Matriarch, hosting holiday dinners and events. Gail became more active in Kappa Kappa Iota, the national teacher sorority. She served locally, and as State and National President of that organization. She and Doyle enjoyed many trips with her Kappa friends to state and national meetings, including a trip to Hawaii. Gail leaves behind her loving husband of 64 years, Doyle, along with her two sons, Steve and his wife Lisa, and their sons Stephen, Matthew, and Scott; and her son Andy and his wife Katt. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kathy Watkins, Kathy’s daughter Jeana Phillips, and her children Keri and Andrew Phillips. She is preceded in death by her parents, V.E. and Ruth, and her brothers, Hugh, Lynn, and Tim Watkins. A visitation is planned for Saturday, February 13th, at 1:00 pm CT at Usrey Funeral Home with a chapel service to follow at 2:00 p.m. The Rev Jerry Colquett will officiate. Internment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery. Memorials May be made to: 1) Bemiston Baptist Church 300 James St, Talladega, Al 35160; 2) Kappa Kappa Iota State Scholarship. Payable to Theta State, c/o Brenda Fryer, 5 Pine Forest Dr, Deatsville, Al 36022, “In memory of Gail Joiner scholarship” on check memo line.