Velma Blake Cotton

Funeral services for Velma Blake Cotton, 93, of Lufkin will be held Friday, November 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Lufkin First Church of the Nazarene with Dr. Jerry Spann officiating. Private family committal will follow.

Velma Blake Cotton died in Lufkin, Texas Monday, November 26, 2018. Born December 30, 1924, near Telephone, Texas, to Frank and Evah (McVay) Blake, Velma was the oldest of three sisters including Wilma Blake Mahannah and Juanita Blake Porter West. She attended Quanah High School, graduating in 1941.

In 1943 Velma married Earl Cotton while both were attending Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma. Earl Cotton was an ordained minister for the Church of the Nazarene and pastored in Oklahoma and Texas for over 35 years. In addition to being a pastor’s wife, Velma served for over 20 years on the Nazarene World Missions district council as well as three years as Nazarene World Missions district president. She was a gifted leader in children’s church work and directed vacation Bible schools for her local church for many years. After continuing her education at Brazosport College, Angelina College, and Stephen F. Austin State University, Velma graduated in 1971 with a B.S. in Education. She taught elementary school in both Lufkin, Texas and Port Arthur, Texas. After retirement, she still continued teaching as an adult literacy mentor in Quanah, Texas. Velma was an avid quilt maker and also did crochet and counted cross stitch. Every one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were privileged to have received a quilt handmade by Velma.

Survivors include her son, Jim and his wife Linda of Lufkin, Texas and daughter, Debbie Stuart and her husband Rick of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Velma was preceded in death in 2005 by her beloved husband, Earl Cotton. At Mrs. Cotton’s request this obituary was composed by her daughter, Fran Cotton, who has since preceded her.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.