Shirley Anne (Ware) Cotten

Ms. Shirley Anne Ware Cotten, age 71, of Sanford, NC entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Terra Bella in Fuquay Varina, NC. 

THE OBITUARY

"In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried unto my God; He heard my voice from His temple and my cry came before Him, even into His ears." – Psalm 18:6

Shirley Anne Ware Cotten, born November 23, 1953, in Chatham County, NC, to the late Mary Lee Ware, entered her heavenly home on January 14, 2025.

Shirley attended Horton School in Pittsboro, NC, and graduated from Northwood High School in 1972. She furthered her education at Central Carolina Community College, Shaw University, and North Carolina Wesleyan College, earning her BS degree in Business Administration.

She worked for the American Telephone and Telegraph Association (AT&T) for 30 years, retiring on April 28, 2005. After retiring, she worked part time for WakeMed Health and Hospitals for three years before dedicating her time to travel and community service. Her adventures took her to Hawaii, Europe (including Spain, Italy, France, and Croatia), Jamaica, Canada, California, and Las Vegas.

Shirley’s life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. She dedicated herself to serving others through her work with numerous organizations, including the Chatham Community NAACP Branch 5377 (where she served as secretary), the Christian United Outreach Center, Lee and Wake County Boards of Elections, the Chatham County Foster Parenting Association, and the AT&T Breakfast Club. Her compassion and willingness to lend a helping hand left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

A lifelong member of Prince Chapel CME Church, Shirley embraced her faith with devotion and grace, serving in various roles, including Steward Board Chairperson, Quarterly Conference Secretary, Head Usher, Sunday School Secretary, Interim Sunday School Superintendent, Lay Council Member, and a proud member of the Starlette Caravans (the church choir).

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Cotten. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Her son, Derrick (Jenna), of Wake Forest, NC, and her four precious grandchildren: Triniti, Aiden, Adam, and Logan of Raleigh and Wake Forest, NC, were her pride and joy. She is also survived by two loving brothers: Algie Ware Sr. (Fleta) of Hillsboro, NC, and Norman Thomas (Mary) of Hamden, CT.

She will be lovingly remembered by her special friends Alta Raines of Greensboro, NC, Vermelle McCray of Charlotte, NC, Bobby Edwards of Pittsboro, NC, and Lucille Thomas of Concord, NC; her godchildren Aubrey Byrd, Makayla Partridge, and Kimberly Bland; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Shirley’s warmth, laughter, and compassionate spirit brought people together. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special and loved, even when she did not realize how much she meant to them. Her vibrant presence will be deeply missed but celebrated in the hearts of all who knew her.

As we honor Shirley’s incredible life, let us remember her words, her deeds, and the joy she brought to our lives. May her memory continue to inspire us to live with kindness, faith, and an open heart.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC