Paula Jean Cotton

Born on August 5th, 1946, Paula was a beacon of warmth and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Lorry Royal and husband Kevin, and Alexandra Cheryl Cotton and partner Lana Parker, who were a constant source of joy and pride for her. Her grandchildren, Ashlyn Royal-Brown and Blayne Royal were the light of her life, and her love for them knew no bounds.

In the tapestry of her life, Paula weathered the storms with grace, always guided by an unwavering love for her family. As a loving wife, she shared a lifetime of memories with the love of her life, Larry Cotton who preceded her in death. Together, they navigated the journey of life, building a foundation of love and support that will endure through generations.

August 5th, 1946, marked the beginning of Paula Cotton's life journey, and while we mourn her passing, we celebrate the legacy of love, compassion, and strength she leaves behind. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harold and Mary Babcock, her younger brother, Harold Garfield Babcock, and her grandson, Kolton Royal. Each loss she experienced throughout her life only deepened her capacity for empathy and understanding and her true determination to live life to the fullest.

Paula loved to sew and was a woman of remarkable talent and passion, with an innate ability to turn simple pieces of fabric into breathtaking works of art. Paula's hands were truly magical, and the garments she created were not merely clothes but expressions of her love and dedication.

Paula's sewing room was a sanctuary where imagination came to life. Friends and family often sought her out for custom creations, each piece bearing the unmistakable mark of her skill and attention to detail. From creating her oldest daughter’s wedding dress, with her own hand-created pattern and her grandchildren’s christening gowns, to making “memory bears” out of shirts for those that had lost a loved one and one-of-a-kind face masks during the pandemic to name a few, Paula's creations were a testament to her boundless creativity and the love she poured into every stitch.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Paula was deeply committed to making a positive impact on her community through numerous volunteering efforts. Her generous spirit and selflessness touched the lives of many, as she devoted countless hours to being a parent volunteer while her daughters were in school, fostering numerous homeless kittens, sorting gently used items that were sold to benefit a pregnancy resource center, and taking care of others in their time of need throughout her lifetime. Paula's dedication to helping others was a shining example of the compassion she held in her heart.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Paula was a pillar of strength and support for those she held dear. Her warm smile and gentle spirit made her a cherished friend to many, and her kindness and giving spirit left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.

As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember Paula not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the love she shared, the lessons she imparted, and the enduring impact she had on the lives of those around her. May her spirit live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Paula Jean Cotton will be held on December 12th at 2:00 pm. The service will be held at Foust & Son Funeral Home, 523 S. Main St., Grapevine, Texas. 76051. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the ASPCA, the American Cancer Society, or any of the numerous veterans’ charities in Paula Cotton's honor.

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of those who have gone before her.