Joe Zenner Orso

Joe Zenner Orso, a native and resident of Mount Vernon, Alabama, passed away Friday, December 11, 2020. He was 95 years old. He retired from Alabama Drydocks Shipbuilding Company as a machinist. He was well known and loved throughout the community, serving as President of Byrd Cemetery for many years. Joe was a devoted member of Saint Theresa Catholic Church and was instrumental in the construction of three church buildings. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Bertha Orso; three sons, Johnny, Bobby, and Felton; three daughters, Norma Jean, Peggy, and Sandra; and two grandchildren, Darlene and Chad. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Bonnie Byrd (Leamon), Priscilla Rivers (Eric), Lois Dudley, and Nora Byrd; sons, Russell Byrd (Tracy) and Everett Rivers (Betty); twenty-two grandchildren, Richard Jr., Willie Mae, Randy, Sonya, Jamie, Raven, Robert, Joe, Carla, Kelly, Kevin, Khris, Amber Sue, Eric Ryan, Marcus, Troy, Wallace, Lil Russell, Lawanda, Tera, Bubba, Shane, and Bryan; twenty-nine great grandchildren; fifteen great-great-grandchildren; numerous godchildren; devoted nephew, Van Rivers; devoted niece, Shirley Rodgers (Dennis); many more loving nieces and nephews; special friends, Rodeaner Lofton and Ginger Snow; and other loving family and friends. A wake will be held for Joe from 6pm until 9pm Sunday, December 13, 2020, at Freeman Funeral Home, with the Rosary beginning at 5:45pm. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11am Monday, December 14, 2020, at Saint Theresa Catholic Church with Rev. John Coghlan, celebrant. Pallbearers will be Danny Sullivan, Joe Davis, Kyle Davis, Lance Rivers, George Rivers, and Willard Weaver, Jr. Burial will follow in Byrd Cemetery. Online condolences may be given at www.freemancitronelle.com. Freeman Funeral Home – Citronelle, Alabama