Carolyn "Williams" Cotten

Carolyn Cotten ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Knotts Funeral Home - Pittsboro on Mar. 9, 2026.Ms. Carolyn (Williams) Cotten, age 84, of New Hill, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield, NC.ObituaryMrs. Carolyn Williams Cotten age 84, of Newhill NC entered eternal rest on March 8, 2026, at UNC Johnston Hospital Smithfield NC.She was, affectionately known as "Carol Mae" born June 9, 1941, to the late Seaman and Flonnie Williams.She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Myrlan L. Cotten June 13, 1959. To this union three children were born. Carolyn, the third youngest of nine children, was born and raised in Chatham County where she attended Horton High School graduating in 1959.At an early age she gave her life to Christ and joined Liberty Chapel Church. She was a faithful and active member until her health began to fail. She was known throughout Chatham County and the surrounding Counties for her gospel lead singing in the Goldenaires, Liberty Chapel Mass Choir, and Senior Choir. Some of her favorites was God Did It, One More Sunny Day, and Over On The Other Side, recorded live at Liberty Chapel and written by the late Clarissa "Faye" Neal. She was also an Assistant Sunday school teacher and served on several committees.She was indeed a person who never met a stranger. In her earlier career she worked as a Community Outreach/Driver for Joint Orange Chatham Community Action (JOCCA) which started her passion for the Ministry of Helps. She held various jobs throughout her work life and retired from the State of NC Legislature cafeteria in 2018. She loved to cook and bake. She would invite people to her home to share a meal and took pleasure in hearing them say they enjoyed it. Many of her church members that lived outside of Chatham County would be invited to her home for dinner when there was an evening service to attend. Her hospitality was always genuine.She will be remembered as a caring person who loved her family and friends. She had a special love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. When they were in her presence her entire countenance changed. She was fondly referred to as mama or Big Mama by friends of her children, grandchildren, and children in the community.She was preceded in death by all eight of her siblings, Edward Baldwin, Gerald Williams, Cozetta Nettles, Mozella Worley, Willard Williams, Bernice Williams, Ida Cotten, and Harry Williams and one grandchild, Sheamory Cotten.She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Myrlan Cotten Jr (Waverly), Tracey Cotten (Antoine), Alicia Harris (Kelvin); nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Ovelma Williams of Moncure NC, Sadie Baldwin of Baltimore MD; brother-in-law, William Nettles of Washington DC; two aunts, Rev. Nina Jones Durham NC and Carolyn Clay (Tony) of Apex NC; two godsons, Charles Spears (Flonnie) of Sanford, NC and Rumarcus Hackney of Charlotte NC, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and two special lifetime friends, Loretta French and Francis "Grace" Worley."We do not own copyrights to the background music."Thank you for helping us protect the families and communities we serve.Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Pittsboro, NCTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.