Mary Jean Cotton, a native of Toulminville and resident of Theodore passed away July 8, 2024.
Mary Jean was a devoted wife and mother. She graduated from Murphy High School in 1955. When Mary Jean met her future husband, Bill, she was a nursing student at Providence Hospital in Mobile. She fell in love and decided she would prefer to have Mrs. before her name more than an R.N. after her name. She was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tillman's Corner, AL. During that time, she served on the Liturgy committee, took care of scheduling all of the ministers, and participated in preparing the church for Holy day and Liturgical seasons. Mary Jean and Bill helped 'root' Cursillo into the Diocese of Mobile and helped Evangelize many through the spiritual movement. She was loved by all of her family and friends and will be remembered for her faith, kindness, wit, ready smile, and loving spirit.
She is survived by her loving Husband William E. Cotton of Theodore; Daughter Jeanne Hay (Norman) of Theodore; Son William R. Cotton (Debbie) of Grand Bay; Daughter Patricia Westbrook of Theodore; Daughter Teresa Stewart (Brant) of Theodore; Daughter Elizabeth Bowen (Charlie) of Mobile; Daughter Nancy Myrick (Allen) of Grand Bay; Grandchildren Heather Gunn (Donnie), Jonathan Hay (Teresa), Trent Cotton (George), Todd Cotton (Sara), Whitney Cotton, Thomas Cotton (Monica), Colin Westbrook, Katie Hughes (Chris), Aaron Payne, Bryant Payne, Christy Hendon, Amanda Fresolone (Chad), Ashley Plymale (Lilly), Brittany Devaney (David);and 30 great-grandchildren. In addition she leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews especially Wendy Mead (Bubba).
She is preceded in death by her Father Roy J. Nicholas; Mother Mary E. (Jean) Nicholas; Brothers George Nicholas, Leroy Nicholas; Sister Patricia Nicholas; Grandson Justin Payne.
December 15, 1937 — July 8, 2024
Services will be held Monday July 15,2024 at 9:30 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Monsignor Kee of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church officiating. Pallbearers will be Trent Cotton, Todd Cotton, Jonathan Hay, Colin Westbrook, and Bryant Payne. Honorary Pallbearer will be Aaron Payne. Burial will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the Garden Of Gethsemane.
Seamstress of memories, soother of hurts, calmer of tears. She listened to piano concertos when she was anxious, and hummed when she washed dishes. She loved to play with the wild kids among us, and bake and read and puzzle with the mild kids among us.
We knew we could call her when we were sick, sad, lonely, happy, or excited and she would make us feel like the most important person in the moment.
She loved oak trees and the legend of the acorn, and wasn’t much for dogs but loved kids.
She would harmonize from the front pew while keeping all the wiggle toddlers in line, even sneaking us a hot wheels to fidget with along the church pew.
Baker of the best peanut butter cookies, gluten free snickerdoodles, and homemade egg noodles this side of the Lower Mississippi valley.
And her laugh lit up her face and the entire room around her.
Her hands held so many of ours, and wrapped us all in love.
Devout. Devoted. Strong. Loved beyond measure. She didn’t like to be the center of attention, but she was the center of the family for her Cotton brood.
We love you Grandma.
Heather, Donnie, Lex Loo, and Ty.
Aunt Mary Jean,
You were so loved and it hurts my heart.
May the family reflect on
their time with a mother that loved and lived a wonderful life.