Mary Frances Cotton, born January 28, 1931, in Holmes County, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the age of 94.

Mary Frances was married to Nathan Cotton in 1953. Together, they built a life centered around family. She spent most of her life as a devoted stay-at-home mother, a role she cherished deeply. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother and matriarch whose presence brought warmth and laughter to those around her.

She was known for her quick wit and sharp sense of humor, always ready with a joke or clever remark. A true Southern cook, Mary Frances showed her love through meals prepared for family and friends. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed reading and watching television, especially her favorite shows, Gunsmoke and The Waltons.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary Sanders; husband, Nathan Cotton; son-in-law, Benny Helms; two brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by her son, Doyle Cotton; daughters, Kathy Helms, Carol Adams (Randy) and Dianne Hornsby (Wyman); her grandchildren, Randy, Brandy, Mark, Michael, Trevor, Bailey and Kynsee; her great-grandchildren, Cotton, Reese, Kennedy, John Beckham, Brody, Natalie, Mary Kate, Kamp, Hunter, and Mikayla and her great-great grandchild, Everett.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. Danny Burns officiating. Burial will follow in the McDuffie cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Mary Frances Cotton will be remembered for her faith, her love of family, her humor and the lasting legacy she leaves in the lives of all who knew and loved her.