Irene Evans Cotton

Irene Evans Cotton, 97, died August 23, 2017, at Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice in Dobson, NC.  Irene was born February 1, 1920, in Surry County, NC.

After graduating from Copeland High School, where she had been a member of the State Championship Basketball team in 1938, Irene graduated from Hampton Roads Business School in Hampton, VA.  She worked as the Executive Director for Peninsula Builders Exchange in New Port News, VA.  While living in VA, she was an active member of LaCross Presbyterian Church.  After her retirement, Irene moved back to NC to be closer to family.  Following the death of her beloved husband, Irene moved to Parkwood Place Retirement Center in Elkin, NC, where she resided for many years.  She was a member of Elkin Valley Baptist Church and a devoted volunteer for Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital as long as her health allowed.  Irene was preceded in death by her husband, N. Herman Cotton; her parents, Carl and Nonnie Reid Evans; her sister, Opal Evans Easterling; her brothers, Otis W. and Ora S. Evans.

Irene is survived by sisters, Jean E. Hunter of Winston-Salem, NC and Carlene E. Creed (Jimmie) of Ararat, NC.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Additionally, Irene is survived by a special friend, Debbie Cowles of Jonesville, NC.  Debbie befriended and helped care for her for 6 years.

A graveside service will be held Friday, August 25, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Pine Hill Church Cemetery located at 3968 NC-268 Ararat, NC 27007, with Dr. Johnny Blevins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Elkin Valley Baptist Church, 118 N. Elkin Dr., Elkin, NC 28621, or The Gideons International, Pilot Mountain Camp, PO Box 481, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kinsley and the entire staff at hospice home for the love shown to her and them during her stay there.