Wanda Joyce Cottrell, of Rising Star, died peacefully on November 8, 2019 at
Hendrick Medical Ceneter in Abilene, TX at the age of 88.
She was born on July 27, 1931 in Duncan, Oklahoma to Hubert R. and Dillie M.
(Wells) Yates. After her Mothers death at the age of two she was raised by her
Uncle and Aunt, Joe and Bertha (Yates) Lancaster. She attended Twin Oaks and
Varnum Schools in Seminole, Oklahoma and while at Varnum she played Basketball
and was Homecoming Queen for the class of 1950.
She married Elbert C. ‘Corky’ Cottrell on November 1, 1950 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
She was a caring and loving Mother as well as a homemaker, caregiver and devoted
Christian. She loved sports especially Basketball and Football and her favorite
game was playing bingo. She enjoyed cooking goodies for the Law Enforcement
Center in Brownwood and enjoyed going to their functions every year. She was a
member of the May First Baptist Church where she volunteered for their “Team Kids”
and “Food Distributions” Programs, and when she was able she donated to the Lords
Acre at First United Methodist Church in Cross Plains, TX. She had an uncanny
sense of humor and wit that will be forever missed.
She is survived by two Sons, Richard Cottrell of Rising Star and Carl Cottrell
of Sierra Vista, AZ and one Daughter Jackie (Jerry) Turner of Victoria, TX;
four Grandchildren, Justin Cottrell (ID), Travis Cottrell (OK), Todd Cottrell
(TX), Pepper Turner (TX) and Seven G-Grandchildren and Two G-G-Grandchildren;
Three Sister-in-laws, Dorothy (Coy) Hearin (TX), Bobbie (James) Beck (OK),
Eva (Darrell) Ward (OK);and a Niece, Sherrie Wilder (AZ) and Seven other Nieces
and Nine Nephews; Two Cousins, Lavon Ware (OK) and Ann Murdoch, Rising Star,TX,
and many Friends from Baird, Cross Plains and Rising Star.
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband and Son (Lonnie Cottrell),
and two sisters and two Brothers.
The Family would like to Thank Hendrick Medical Center, Oak Ridge Manor and
Rising Star Nursing and Rehab Center for the Compassion and Care given to
their Mother.
At her request her body was donated to Parker University in Dallas, TX for
Medical Research Study. There will be a Memorial Service for her at a later
date.
