Gwen Pope Axtell

Gwen Pope Axtell, of Southside, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 at the age of 89. Gwen is a native of Anniston, Alabama and graduated from Anniston High School as a member of the Class of 1953. She also attended Auburn University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She retired professionally after a successful career as an administrative assistant with Crawford & Company Risk Management Services in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon retirement, she enhanced her love of flowers and music by becoming a Master Gardener and actively participating in the Gadsden Music Club. Gwen loved to sing and was a faithful member of the choir in the various churches where she worshiped throughout her adult life. She also faithfully served Etowah County as a member of the Caring Angels Ministry. Gwen is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Carroll Pope Sr. and Mary Lucy Pope; her husband, James Robert (Bob) Axtell; and her sons, David Bryan Waits and James Randall Waits. She is survived by her brother, Tommy (Dianne) Pope; son, Russ (Shannon) Waits; special friend, Bobby West; grandsons, Austin (Hannah) Waits and Brad Waits; granddaughters Sara Margaret Waits and Amy (Matthew) Wende; great grandchildren Thomas Waits, Luke Wende, Noah Wende, Remington Waits, and Cecilia Waits; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Gwen epitomized class, elegance, and faithfulness as she navigated all of life’s challenges. She truly put her full hope, faith, and trust in God. Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary of Southside United Methodist Church at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (11:00 a.m.). There will also be a brief interment service at Williams Southside Memorial Park immediately following the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Austin Waits, Addison Collins, Thomas Pope, Richard Pope, David Cochran, and Lee Stanley. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful professional caregivers at Regency Pointe Assisted Living, the University of Alabama - Birmingham TICU, Encompass Health and Rehab of Gadsden, and Piedmont Health Care Center. Williams Southside Funeral Home - Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.

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Gwen Pope Axtell

August 12, 1935 - February 18, 2025