Elva P. Waldrip

Elva P. Waldrip, age 98, of Trussville, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on November 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 11, 1927, in Greensboro, Alabama, to the late James William Perkins and Julia Elizabeth “Bama” Perkins.

Elva married the love of her life, Edward Waldrip, in 1947, and together they shared a beautiful life of faith, family, and hard work. She was the co-owner, alongside Edward, of Wan-Bon Gas, a propane company they founded in 1965, which was lovingly named for their two daughters, Wanda and Bonnie. A devoted and longtime member of First Baptist Church Trussville, Elva’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and read her Bible daily—able to quote almost any verse with confidence and joy. She was a faithful prayer warrior, known for praying for everyone and always lifting others up in prayer.

Elva was known for her kindness, generosity, and her ever-present smile. She was a two-time cancer survivor, overcoming both ovarian cancer and colon cancer with incredible strength. She loved flowers and gardening, cooking for her family, and taking trips to the mountains. But her greatest joy was simply having her family gathered in her home, especially around her dinner table.

She is survived by her two daughters, Wanda Campbell (Mike) and Bonnie Coker (Kenny); her grandchildren, Stacy Campbell (Alex) and Josh Coker (Keri); her great-grandchildren, Evie Grace and Beau Coker; a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly; and her special nephew, Harold Perkins, who was like a brother to her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Waldrip; her siblings Beatrice Colburn, Marie Harbin, Ann Hooks, her twin sister Eva Barnett, J.D. Perkins, and Francis Gibbs.

For the last five months of her life, Elva was blessed with extraordinary caregivers who loved her deeply and cared for her with compassion, dignity, and tenderness. Cristie, Erica, Peggy, Teya, and Linda were truly a Godsend to both Elva and her family. Their kindness, patience, and devotion brought comfort and peace during a difficult season, and the family cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible care they provided.

Elva’s legacy of faith, love, and joyful generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Because Elva dearly loved flowers, they are warmly welcomed. For those who feel led to give in her memory, the family asks that donations be made to Big Oak Ranch, a ministry close to her heart.

Pallbearers: Ken Coker, Stuart Floyd, Robbie McKemie, Glenn “Loopy” Sexton, John Sexton, and Karl Niven.

Services: Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 19th, at 1:00 PM, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM, and a graveside service thereafter.