Shirley Opalene Cotton

Shirley O. Cotton, age 79, peacefully passed away on March 30, 2025, at North Okaloosa Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 21, 1945, Shirley was the youngest of ten children to Robert Cotton, Sr. and Rosa Lee Guice Cotton. She accepted Christ at a young age, with Sunday school and church services playing a central role in her upbringing.

Shirley’s education began at Tivoli Elementary and High School, where she not only excelled academically but also played basketball. After graduating in 1964, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she attended Jones Barber College and earned her license. Shirley was a successful self-employed barber for ten years. Later, she returned home and worked at Showell Farms/Perdue for many years before joining WCBCM, where she worked until her retirement on January 15, 2015.

Known for her vibrant personality, Shirley had a love for life. She enjoyed joking around and cherished spending time with her family and friends. As a basketball fan, she loved watching games, and keeping up with the news was a daily ritual. Always ready to lend a hand, Shirley never hesitated to help those in need. She often spent time in solitude, and when asked about it, she would respond, “I’m not alone, I have Jesus.”

Shirley was known for her straightforward nature, always speaking her mind from a place of love and pure honesty. To know her was to love her. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Cotton Sr, and Rosa Lee Guice Cotton; brothers and sisters-in-law, Willie Guice (Jennie), Lamar Cotton (Jenell), Henry Cotton Sr. (Mary Lou), Fred Cotton, and Robert Cotton; sisters and brothers-in-law, Argertha Pace Works (Willie), Rosa Nell Baker (Sylvester), and Dorthy N. Reaves (Alexander).

She is survived by her special niece, Candace (her precious water bucket); several loving nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A time of visitation will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Committal services will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFunniak Springs.