Espenita Inez Atkinson Garrett

She is survived by her sons James Dodson Fail, Robert Wesley Fail and daughter Shirley McClure, Grandchildren Tracy, Bryan, Benjiman, James, Robert, Shannon, Otis, Jenny and Lewis as well as numerous Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren.

She was born in Prichard, Alabama in 1919 to Horace and Tallice Atkinson where she grew up with her two brothers and seven sisters all of whom predeceased her. As part of The Greatest Generation, she worked as a spot welder (Rosie the Riveter) during WWII in the Alabama shipyards. After the war, she married, had her three children and became a home maker.

She enjoyed going to Mobile Country Music Association where the music moved her so much she had to get up and dance a little two step even though there was no dance floor. When her son Robert visited from California, she loved going to Golden Corral for fried chicken and Hardees for a Steak Biscuit. For the last 20 years, Robert would visit every Mother's Day and her birthday in November. For her 80th, 85th, 90th and 95th birthdays, Robert hosted a party for her with all her family and friends. It brought her so much happiness.

Her second husband, Lewis Price Garrett served in WWI and is buried in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL. Espenita will be laid to rest with her late husband on Monday, May 16 in a private graveside service with her daughter Shirley McClure officiating. Memorial Services will be held at West Wilmer United Methodist Church, Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM.

Condolences may be offered online at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.