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Joanne Jenkins Cotten

Janne Cotten Cover PicMrs. Joanne Jenkins Cotten, age 84 of Lebanon, passed away on October 4, 2014.  She was born June 20, 1930 in Carthage, TN to M. Draper Jenkins and Maude Williams Jenkins who preceded her in the trip to eternal life.  She was raised in Carthage and graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1952 and later George Peabody College.  She taught school at Smith County High School and Watertown High School where she also coached girls basketball.  Later, while teaching at Lebanon High School, she became the school’s first guidance counselor.  She finished her teaching career at Tennessee Preparatory School (TPS) in Nashville.  During her career she was in the first group of State Evaluators for teachers.  She attended Lebanon’s First United Methodist Church where she had been a member for over fifty years and sang in the choir until her health precluded her attendance.  Heaven’s jubilee now has another great voice joining.  She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Ernest W. Cotten, Sr.: sister, Bobbie Jane Phillips; six children; Ernest W. (Amanda) Cotten, Jr., Billy (Sally) Cotten, Mary Jo (Greg) Cote, Dr. Daniel (Darcie) Cotten, Patricia Cotten Campbell, James Michael Guinn; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends on Monday October 6, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, 415 West Main Street, Lebanon, from 2-6p.m. with services following at 6p.m.. Rev. Mike Ripski will officiate.  Graveside services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. from the Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery in White County.  Grandson and Grandsons-in-law will serve as active pallbearers.  Honorary Pallbearers: Choir of First United Methodist Church, Ladies Golf Association of Lebanon Golf and Country Club, and former Co-Workers at TPS.  The family request in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church or the Ladies Golf Association.  Special thanks to the staff at the Pavilion, UMC, Dr. Robert Woods, Dr. Hardie Sorrels, and Home Instead, Inc.

Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home of Lebanon in Charge of Arrangements.  (615) 444-2142

www.ligonbobo.com

Messages for the Family

  1. Ellen Watson James says:
    Bill, I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
  2. DALLAS HARALSON says:
    Bill Cotton .. So sorry for your loss .. you and family will be in my thoughts and prayers
  3. Joanne Chambers Odell says:
    Joanne was my chemistry teacher and Basketball coach my senior year of High school at Carthage in 1953. She was a wonderful teacher, motivator and mentor. My condolences go out to all her family. RIP my sweet friend, Joanne.
  4. Molly (Bridgewater) Vandiver says:
    RIP sweet Joanne! Will always remember you and Bobby Jane singing together! Condolences to this sweet, sweet family. We shall meet again!
  5. Joanne was the epitome of a true lady. Our prayers go out to the entire Cotten family in their loss of their dear wife, sister, mother and grandmother. Heaven now has another angel.
  6. Jack kirby says:
    Joanne was a good friend,neighbor and teacher. She and Bobby Jane would go fishing with me sometimes. Prayers for family
  7. Jack kirby says:
    Joanne was my friend, neighbor and chemistry teacher. A wonderful Christian lady. RIP Joanne .Prayers for family
  8. Ernest W Martin says:
    I am very sad to learn of this passing. She was a very fine lady and growing up I called her my grandmother. I still remember those times fondly and missed this sweet lady through the years.
    My thoughts are with her children and husband.
  9. Neal & Oleta Shipper says:
    Sorry for your loss.
  10. Paul & Betty Leftrick says:
    We extend our sincere sympathy to Mr. Cotton and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you.
    Paul & Betty Leftrick
  11. Mark Caruth says:
    So sorry for your great loss. May the Lord grant you His strength and peace during the days ahead. Our love and prayers are with you!
  12. Ada Stokes says:
    406 Leeville Pike
  13. Ada Stokes says:
    So sorry for your loss your in my prayers
  14. Vicki Waugh says:
    Very sorry for you loss. I will keep you in my prayers
  15. Angie Oxendine says:
    Dr. Dan Cotten, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
  16. Debbie Pulley Smith says:
    Mary Jo – I am so sorry for your loss, you and your whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even knowing your mother is whole, healthy, happy in Heaven, it’s still painful for her family and friends here on earth.
  17. Lois Taylor says:
    I just found out about Joanne’s passing. What a wonderful coach and mentor she was. Because of her encouragement for young women to work on being physically fit, at age 77,Joanne is still in the back of my brain pushing me to the gym. RIP beautiful coach.