Mary Catherine Otwell, age 79, of Gadsden, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026.

Funeral services will be held on January 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Crestwood Funeral Home. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Mary was a graduate of Emma Sansom High School and a longtime attendee of Bellevue Methodist Church. She deeply cherished time spent with her family, whether enjoying trips to the beach, visiting with friends, or taking road trips to the western states. Above all, Mary loved spending time with her husband, with whom she shared a devoted and loving life together.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, James Otwell; her sons, Jimmie Otwell, Steve Otwell (Misty), and Scott Otwell (Lindsey); her sister, Sandra Robertson; her brothers, Melton Burgess (Freida) and Henry Smith (Sue); as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, James H. Smith; her mother, Nora Willine Smith; and her brother-in-law, Fred Robertson.

The family kindly requests that those attending the service dress in casual attire.

Special thanks are extended to Dr. Steve Sanders with Gentiva Hospice, Pastor Bob Huntley, and the Emma Sansom High School Class of 1965 for their care, support, and kindness.