Released by Southerland Family Funeral Homes …
Mary Lou Cotton of Panama City, Florida
September 12, 1935 – March 26, 2019
Our mom was the best wife to our daddy, and the sweetest mom to us children, and grandmother to her grands. Mom gained her angel wings at 4:38 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2019 surrounded by her family. She is now rejoicing in heaven with all her loved ones who preceded her.
Mary Lou Wright Cotton was born September 12, 1935 to George Edward Wright Sr and Lillie Mae Rials Wright of Samson, Alabama. She married the love of her life Louie Edward Cotton on October 21,1951 and had four children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Janet Diane Cotton, her parents, brother George Edward “Junior” Wright, sisters Annie Merle Wright Tillman, Itheria W. Creech, and Vonnie Lee Wright.
Mary is survived by her husband of almost 68 years, Louie Edward Cotton, daughter Deborah Kay Cotton Whitaker (Jonas), son Craig Edward Cotton (Ellen), and Gina Michelle Cotton Deal (Terrill). Four grandchildren Joan Renee Whitaker Troutman, Jason Edward Whitaker (Maria), Jana Kaye Michelle Deal Denham (Lee), and Brianna Kristy Deal Craig (Chase). Three great grandchildren Devyn McKenzie Troutman, Karys Maria Whitaker and Kadyn Maria Whitaker. Two brothers Wayne Wright (Cindy) and Ferrell Wright, numerous nieces and nephews, and a special brother-in-law, Bill Howell.
Our mom was a stay at home mom for many years. She raised four children who loved her dearly. She lavished love and attention to her family both blood and love related.
Mom worked outside of the home for a while at a shirt factory as a seamstress and was the owner and operator of Cottons Grocery, Gas Station and game room in Springfield for many years. There she adopted all the neighborhood children as her own. They loved her and her fantastic candy case.
Mom cherished her children because she lost her mom at age 18 months but with the help of many sweet aunts and sisters she developed a love that cannot be measured for family.
She loved her grands so much and was proud of each of them. Mom lost many friends over the years but losing Helen Southall was like losing one of her sisters. They had a bond that is rejoicing now in heaven.
Mom’s favorite flower was a gardenia because she was always told that was her mother’s favorite flower. She would hold one and smell it and have sweet memories of her mom.
Our mom’s greatest accomplishments were her marriage, her children, grandchildren and her extended family. She leaves a legacy of love. She loved her church and the Lord. Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Hwy 231 North with Brother Rick Blackerby officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Southport, Florida in memory of our mom, Mary Lou Cotton.