Brenda Cotten passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday,
March 8, 2026, in Meadville, Mississippi at the age of 79 after a courageous seven
yearlong battle with cancer. Born on January 27, 1947, in McComb, Mississippi to
Charles Frederick Buckels and Theria Dee Hutto Buckels, she spent her life devoted to
her family.

Brenda graduated from Franklin County High School in 1965 and furthered her
education at Co-Lin. She dedicated her professional career to the Franklin County
Superintendent of Education's Office.

Brenda married Larry Joe Cotten at Byrd's Chapel Church of God in Meadville, MS on
July 12, 1969. They were married for 56 wonderful years.

An active member of Siloam Baptist Church, Brenda was renowned for her delicious
desserts and her selfless service to the church. Her love for cooking and baking was
paralleled by her passion for Southern Gospel music, often attending concerts and the
National Quartet Convention. Her favorite role was being Mimi which brought her
immense joy, as she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. Her favorite
Scripture was Isaiah 41:10 which became her life verse.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Larry Cotten; daughter, Tanji Ayers (Chris); son,
Kevin Cotten (Andrea); grandsons Zack Cotten, Luke Cotten and Jacob Cotten;
granddaughter, Tessa Allen (Sky); brother, Gary Buckels (Pat); sisters, Christine Dunn
(Roger), Judy Holland (Bobby), and one aunt, Mary Buckels. She also leaves behind a
host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Brenda was preceded in death by her
parents, Charles and Theria Dee Buckels, and her sister, Janet Sharon Buckels.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Siloam Baptist Church in Meadville, MS.
Franklin Funeral Home is assisting the family during this time. The family would like to
extend their thanks to Michelle and Ashlynn with StaHome Health; and all of the kind
people at Deaconess Hospice that took great care of her in her final days. Pallbearers
are Kevin Cotten, Zack Cotten, Luke Cotten, Chris Ayers, Sky Allen, and Gary Buckels.
Honorary Pallbearer is Jacob Cotten. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be
made to Baptist Children's Village & Family Ministries.