“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

Debra Ann Cotton was born on Aug. 13, 1963, in Bogalusa, to the late Sara Louise Cotton and the late Nelson Cotton. She was reared by the late Sarah Lou Oliver.

She attended Bogalusa High School and later continued her education at Southeastern University. Debra was a loving and devoted mother of her only son. She was a long time caregiver for Marie McGhee.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, James Travess Cotton; six grandchildren, Ja’Myria Robinson, Ja’Million Scott, JaLiya Cotton, JaLae Williams, A’Mya Robinson and Caidence McCree, all of Bogalusa; one sister, Kim (Michael) Cheese; three brothers, William Cotton and Domet (Trina) Dooley all of Bogalusa, and Jessie Kilpatrick of Carson, Calif.; two special aunts, Annie Rose Dooley and Arlene (Rodney) Lewis, both of Bogalusa; two special nieces, Rvelyn Lashone Dooley and Andra Kenyetta Cotton and a special nephew, De’Corious Cotton, all of Bogalusa; a special friend, Robert Townsend and a long time friend, Terry Pigott and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sara Louise Cotton; her father, Nelson Cotton; a mother that reared her, Sarah Lou Oliver; grandparents, Essie Mae Dooley and Rosie Williams; and two brothers, Gary Cotton and Johnny Sykes.

The funeral service was on Thursday, Feb. 8, at Sweet Beulah Baptist Church, with Minister Domet Dooley officiating.

Cook-Richmond Funeral Home is in charge of professional services.