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Myrtis Kathryne Buffalow Cotton was born in Florala, Alabama, on March 24, 1932, to Carlos Buffalow and Anne Elizabeth Prestwood Buffalow.

She was an only child, but her cousins Douglas, Sonny, and Ken Kendrick were like brothers to her. They grew up next door to one another and spent their childhood days together.

In 1950, at the age of 18, Myrtis married the love of her life, Kenneth Wilburne Cotton, also of Florala. They settled in Wing and started their life together raising two children, Catherine Elizabeth (Cathy) and Kenneth Wilburne Cotton Jr. (Sandy). Over the years, the two of them farmed and raised, trained, and raced thoroughbred horses. Their marriage was a picture of unconditional love and sacrifice, full of patience for one another, and service dedicated to the Lord. They were married for 63 years. Kenneth went home to heaven in 2014.

Myrtis Kathryne was a rare jewel. She was truly one of a kind. She loved and was loved by countless people and everyone who ever knew her said, “there was none like her.” That is no doubt a true statement. God blessed her with unbelievable stamina, strength, talents, and the will to accomplish anything. Myrtis worked the farm, operated the equipment, and nursed the animals all the while giving out endless instructions and keeping everyone in line. During this time, she also drove a school bus for 33 years. I can assure you those students who rode Mrs. Cotton’s bus can attest to her witty ability to keep order and run a tight ship. She was an excellent cook and could bake anything. She shared her delicious fudge and cakes with people all over this county and beyond. If anything ever needed to be mended or sewed, she was the one to do it. She was also a French seamstress and spent untold hours sewing priceless treasures for her grandchildren.

At the age of 60, she attended nursing school with her grandson and became an RN. She worked as a nurse until she was 80 years old. She took care of her husband and family and all those she knew so very well. Myrtis was known as “Granny” by everyone. She never missed a ballgame and came prepared with anything and everything that could ever be needed from snacks to bandages to her homemade concoctions for any ailment – all packed in her famous bag. Everyone knew Granny would have what they needed. People of all ages will forever remember Granny’s “waaaaay to go!” as over the years, she cheered on her favorite people and their teammates.

Myrtis lived a full and fruitful 90 years of life. Although her family and friends will miss her here on earth, we do not mourn as those who have no hope. Our peace and comfort comes from the Lord and in knowing that we will one day be with her again in our eternal Home. Even though Myrtis was the strongest person many of us have ever known, able to accomplish more than most, she would only be interested in us knowing that she is with her Savior, and that she will spend eternity with Him. As she would say, she is in Glory! She has been reunited with her beloved Kenny and dearly loved granddaughter Kimberly and all of her precious loved ones who knew Jesus. Myrtis Kathryne was bold and never missed an opportunity to share her faith. She spoke truth in love and wanted all those she met to know her Savior. Without a doubt, Granny was ushered into Heaven with “well done thy good and faithful servant.” All the angels sang in chorus “waaaaaaay to go!”

A celebration of life ceremony will be held April 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Carolina Baptist Church. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate this life well lived. Please dress casually.