Dana Joy (Watkins) Cochran

Dana Joy (Watkins) Cochran, age 57, of Gardendale, Alabama passed away peacefully on Friday October 18, 2019. Dana was born March 5, 1962 in Birmingham, Alabama to Jewell Ann (Fowler) and John Houston Watkins. She was a 1980 graduate of Cathedral Christian School. She married Ron Cochran on June 7, 1986, in Birmingham, where they raised 3 children and enjoyed 33 years of marriage. Dana had a joyful soul and a contagious smile that touched everyone she met. Being a mother was her life's greatest accomplishment, and her family was her most prized possession. She was known for her kindness and welcoming demeanor. Dana was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend to so many, and no one will ever forget her nurturing heart or the warmth she radiated.

Dana is survived by her children Brittany Barrow (Brandon), of Pelham, AL, Megan Cochran of Juneau, AK, and Chase Cochran of Birmingham, AL; her husband, Ron Cochran, of Gardendale, AL; her brothers Rusty Watkins of Birmingham, AL, and Joel Watkins, of Gadsden, AL; her sister Joni Watkins, of Birmingham, AL; her sister Jeri Haefner (Scott), of Vincent, AL; her sister Aimee Bunn (Chass), of Oxford, AL; her father, John Watkins, of Birmingham, AL; and her grandchildren, Clara Barrow and Jocelyn Joens, of Birmingham, AL. She also leaves behind her beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as their children. She is preceded in death by her mother, Jewell Watkins.

A celebration of life gathering for Dana will be held Friday, October 25, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A celebration of life service will occur Friday, October 25, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Cochran family.