Josephine “Jo” Cotton, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 13, 2020. She was born on June 6, 1929 in Wilmington, California to Josephine and Leo Portugal. Jo was one of seven children in a very close-knit family.
She was married to the love of her life, Jim Cotton, for 63 years and raised four children in Lafayette, Louisiana. For over 15 years, Jo worked as a Mary Kay Consultant which took her to small towns throughout southern Louisiana making many lifelong friends along the way. Over the past 35 years Jim and Jo resided in Austin, Texas. A city they loved with its “California” landscape and close proximity to their children and grandchildren.
Her home and family were a great source of fulfillment and contentment for her. Jo maintained a home that was spotless, yet warm and welcoming. She kept to her trusted recipes, be it lasagna or cookies, which formed the essence of what it meant to be at Nana’s (as her grandchildren called her). From her home to her cooking, everything she did had the special touch of a servant’s heart. For her grandchildren, the thought of Nana’s house will always carry with it not only fond memories, but also a lasting imprint of joy and comfort that can hardly be described with words.
Jo not only blessed her family with her home, but also with her vibrant personality, sense of humor, dancing and piano playing. She had so many hobbies, that one could hardly believe she was ever home. From daily walks, to golf and tennis, to world travels, to volunteering at church, she afforded herself little time to rest, except of course for regularly scheduled programs, “The Price is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Leo Portugal, brothers Leo, Frank, Richard and Art. Jo is survived by her sisters Betty Gregory and Mary Pollock.
Jo is survived by her husband James “Jim” Cotton, sons Jim Cotton and wife Alisa, John Cotton and wife Claudia, daughters, Carolyn Simmons and husband Blake, Suzanne Kott and husband Charles.
She is also survived by her eight grandchildren and their spouses, Nicole and Blake Virgilio, Kyle Cotton, Ronnie and Kara Kott, Doug and Danielle Simmons, Rebecca and Adam Rohan, Christopher Cotton, Lauren Cotton, and Megan Jo and Jacob Baynham. Also, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jo was a woman of deep faith, a shining example which has been passed down to three generations. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family meant everything to her and her kindness, gentleness, and loving nature was an inspiration to her family and all who knew her.
We would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the nurses and staff of Querencia at Barton Creek for the care and attention given to our Mother.
The family will hold a visitation from 5-7 pm on Friday, January 24 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, Forest Oaks, Austin, Texas with the Rosary at 7 pm. A Celebration of Life and Mass will be held at 10 am Saturday, January 25 at St John Neumann Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, alzfdn.org
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