Mrs. Lou Ann Waggoner Cotten passed away on July 21, 2022. She was born in Hattiesburg to the late Norvell Gee and Mattie (Polly) Foote Waggoner on May 1, 1937. She lived in Hattiesburg, attended Davis Elementary School and was a member of the Hattiesburg High School Class of 1955. Mrs. Cotten graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Paul David Cotten, Sr.

They spent most of their married life in Ellisville while Dr. Cotten worked at Ellisville State School. Dr. and Mrs. Cotten were both active in civic events. They were very active in the Ellisville United Methodist Church. Mrs. Cotten was a member of the Wesleyan Circle and the Searchers Sunday School class. She was a charter member of the Tallahala Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a longtime member of the Fidelia Club of Ellisville. Mrs. Cotten was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was given the name Granny Lou after the birth of her first grandchild, and she loved her time with them. She assumed the role of after-school-babysitter for many years, and spoiling her grandchildren was her specialty.

Mrs. Cotten was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Paul, as well as her sister, Jane Pigott. Survivors include her four children: David Cotten (Andria Elkins) of Houston, TX; Lee Cotten of Ellisville, MS; Mark Cotten (Lisa) of San Antonio, TX; and Paula McGowin (David) of Ellisville, MS. Survivors also include her four grandchildren: Joseph Mark Cotten (Athena) of Murphreesboro, TN; John Cotten of San Antonio, TX; Anna Claire Evans of Memphis, TN and Alisa Evans of Ellisville, MS. Mrs. Cotten is also survived by one great-grandchild, Hera Claire Cotten.

Visitation will be held at Ellisville Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022, with a service being held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00. A private burial will be held at Ellisville Cemetery following the service. Memorial gifts may be sent to Ellisville United Methodist Church.