Diane Cotton Barfield

She was born on lucky Friday, December 13, 1939 to Lillie and Roy Cotton at Baptist Hospital in Jackson. She grew up in Brookhaven, MS and attended Brookhaven High School. Her high school years were some of her best. She fondly spoke of the 1950's. Sock hops, Johnny Mathis, and being surrounded by friends and family were memories she held close. Her mother, Lillie Allgood, meant the world to her. From her, she developed her love of flowers and birds.

She met William Barfield in 1963, on a blind date, and they were married after only two months. Together, they had four beautiful children, Donna Coulson, Susan Lopez, David Barfield, and Kimberly Stoutner, whom she has left behind. William and Diane were married nearly 50 years when he passed away in June 2013.

Diane had many grandchildren. Donna and James Coulson's children are Robert Coulson of Taiwan, Jonathan Coulson of Oxford, MS, and Jimmy and Laura Coulson of Houston, TX. Susan and Paul Lopez's children are Trevor, Travis, and Lillie Lopez, of League City, TX. Kimberly and Oliver Stoutner's children are Willa and Louisa Stoutner of High Point, NC. Diane also had two great grandchildren, by Robert and Cindy Coulson, Gabe and Charlotte Coulson, of Taiwan.Many, many times over the years, Diane told her children they were her greatest joy and would do anything to relive those golden days.

Her big brother, Roy "Sonny" Cotton, aka, "Sonnyman," and big sisters', Betty Hatcher and Lois Lewis, were always a big part of her life. They were together every chance they could manage. Most days, Diane and Betty, spoke on the phone at least three times per day. Their bond was unbreakable.

Diane worked at UMC Medical Pavilion for 15 years as a Receptionist and Greeter. She touched an incredible number of lives and had too many close friends to count. In the last few years, she counted on three very close friends. Patty McDaniel and Debi Melton were like daughters to her. Dale Kilbourn was a Godsend.

Peanut, her black and white chihuahua, was one of Diane's greatest joys and her constant companion. He misses his mama, but is taking good care of his brother, Bud.

Diane will be greatly missed. Her smile lit up our worlds and her laughter was a joyful noise. A hole has been left in our hearts.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Saturday, Dec. 16. There will be a viewing from 11-1 and funeral at 1:00.