Scott Bowden presents Kentucky Fried Rasslin

I was sorry to learn that Jerry Lawler’s mother, Hazel, 90, passed away yesterday after a long illness. Despite his hectic schedule, I know Jerry visited his mom at an assisted-living facility in Mississippi nearly every free day he had in recent years. I believe Jerry was only 19 when he buried his father, so he and his mom were close.

Although he’s got to be pleased professionally, challenging the Miz for the WWE title at this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber PPV, it’s been a rough time personally for Jerry the last eight months, with the death of longtime buddy Danny Dunn in July, the suicide of close friend Mr. Guy Coffey in January and now the passing of his mother. I’m sure I speak for many former colleagues and fans alike when I say our thoughts are with the Lawler family.

A ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at Family Funeral Care in Memphis located at 4923 Summer Avenue.

Below is a 1983 clip from The Commercial Appeal newspaper as part of a Mother’s Day profile piece on Memphis-area celebrities. (Thanks to Mark James, over at memphiswrestlinghistory.com for the clip.)

The Queen Mother