Tay Cotton

Clayton “Tay” Mercer Cotton of Prairieville, Louisiana passed away on December 27, 2023 at the age of 82. After courageously battling 8 years of Pulmonary Fibrosis, our beloved mother died in Springhill Memorial Hospital, Mobile, AL surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Tay was born in Mobile, AL on November 16, 1941, to father, Edwin Dunn Mercer and mother, Clayton Angell Mercer. She was the oldest sister to Sandy Bass and Sonny Mercer. She grew up in Hattiesburg, MS and shared many loving stories and memories of growing up in a small Mississippi town. She loved the outdoors growing up, playing Tarzan outside, going to summer camps, and dance and water ballet. She was an avid Elvis fan and loved following some of her favorite Elvis tribute artists. She remained friends with her Hattiesburg High School Class of 1959 and always looked forward to their reunions. She was a graduate of Mississippi State and was proud to be a Bulldog. She was an alumna of Tri Delta sorority. She worked for LSU registrar office in her younger days and later became a teacher for several years. Her biggest joy was spending time with her family. She was a loving wife and enjoyed traveling with our dad including trips to Africa, fishing at Grand Isle and hunting. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved with her whole heart and brought so much laughter and joy into our lives. She was not only a mother but a best friend. She did not meet a stranger and was a very loyal friend and would do anything for anyone. She was always thinking about others and ways to love and help people in need. She gave her life to Christ in the 1960s and loved attending Bible studies and growing in her knowledge of God’s Word. She had a heart for missions and participated in many mission opportunities including trips to Africa. She was a true Southern Belle and knew how to spread southern hospitality and charm. Tay could make a friend anywhere and was loved by so many. She was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church until she became homebound. She will be greatly missed by her beloved family and friends. Tay was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 48 years and brother, Sonny Mercer. She is survived by her children: Angie Nielsen (Ronnie), Shari Cotton, Eric Edmonson (Jennifer) and Edwin Cotton (Sherri); Grandchildren: Victoria Kelly (Drew), Madeline Nielsen, Andrew Nielsen, Blaine Edmonson, Alexis Edmonson, Ryleigh Cotton, Jesse Cotton and Emily Cotton. She is survived by her youngest sister, Sandy Bass, several cousins, nieces and nephews. A visitation and funeral service will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Saturday, January 6, 2024. All are invited to attend. The family wants to thank George Regional Hospital and Springhill Memorial ICU for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, Tay requested any gifts be given to Samaritan’s Purse with Franklin Graham ministry.