Leola Lee Cotton

Leola Lee Cotton passed away in Clarksville on August 13, 2014 at the age of 81. She was born in Coahoma, MS to the late Willie Ferguson and Theresa Walker Davis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Rufus Cotton; son Ronnie Cotton; daughter Linda Cotton; and a brother C.W. Davis.

She is survived by five daughters, Diane Cotton of Highland, CA; Kathrine Olson ( Anders) of Bath, England; Theresa Caruthers of Barstow, CA; Carolyn Wilkinson (Michael) of Clarksville; Michelle Cunningham (Larry) of Antioch, CA; and Tracie Rivera (Juan) of Morgantown, WV. She is also survived by two sons, Rufus Cotton, Jr. (Talita) of Hesperia CA; and Michael Cotton (Gaylie) of Indianapolis, IN; 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Her daughter Diane wanted to talk about her mother in her own words:

"Where do I begin to describe my mom. She was a mighty woman of God and a tower of strength. She was always there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to or cry with. She always told me I could do whatever it took. Sometimes I would get discouraged, but I would hear her voice saying "you can do it." She always told us girls how beautiful we were. We did not believe her but she was right. My mom was more than a mother, she was my sister, and my friend. She will always be with me no matter where I go, or what I do. I love you mom — "you go girl." Your daughter, Diane.

Visitation with the family will be held on August 18, 2014, from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Gateway Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on August 25, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Desert View Memorial Park; 11478 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA. 92392. Phone 760-244-0007. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Arrangements entrusted to Gateway Funeral Home & Cremation Center; 335 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Online condolences may be left at www.GatewayFH.com.