Joanne Whitlow Cork, 77, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at her home.

A graveside service was held Dec. 7, 2022, at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, with the Rev. Mike Newman officiating. There was no formal visitation.

Cork was born Sept. 16, 1945, in Opelika, daughter of the late Benjamin Whitlow and Jewel Hamby Whitlow. She worked in administration at several churches in the Birmingham area throughout her career, including Eastminster Presbyterian at the Birmingham Baptist Association, South Side Baptist Church, Clayridge Baptist Church and Brewster Road Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, taking care of her flowers and traveling, especially to the beach. She was a member of Pepperell Baptist Church in Opelika and a former member of Purpose Baptist Church in Opelika. Cork was also a former member of the Pinson Civitan Club, the Wild Hydrangea Club, the Society to Advance the Resources of Turkey Creek and the Boyle Chapter 104 Eastern Star.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Thomas Cork; a daughter, Sharon Cork Black; and a brother, James Whitlow.

She is survived by a daughter, Julie Cork Rollins, and husband Don of Argo, Alabama; a sister, Patricia Vance of Salem, Alabama; two brothers, Carlton Whitlow and wife Mary of Beauregard; and Tony Whitlow and wife Clita of Opelika; grandchildren, Erica Goldy (Mark), Greg Rollins, Lauren Rollins and Chase Rollins; one great-grandchild, Annaleigh Goldy; a son-in-law, Dana Black; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

To sign the online guest register visit www.vancebrooksfuneralhome.net.