Barbara Sue Cotton

Our rock, beloved wife, mother and friend, Barbara Sue Cotton departed this life March 21, 2021. Services will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 1, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Barbara Sue, “Bobbie Sue” affectionately called “Mema,” was born in Downsville, Texas, to the late Mr. Garner McCullough and Mrs. Esther O. Matthews. In her youth, she attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Downsville where she was a devoted member until she went on to join the United States Army in 1974. Prior to joining the military, she worked at the Methodist Home, where she was a lifeguard. She attended Downsville High School and later graduated from Devry University in Norfolk, Virginia, with a degree in Computer Science. During her career, Bobbie Sue was a U.S Customs Border Patrol Officer, Dallas County Sheriff, and also served her country as a Vietnam Era Soldier. Barbara retired from the Department of the Navy as an IT security specialist in 2017 after 30 years. Love led her to marry her dear soulmate, Donald Cotton, in March 2002. Together, they enjoyed sailing the seas on their boat, traveling, renovating homes and real estate. Anyone who knew Barbara or was lucky to enjoy her presence, knew her love of adventure and travel. She was the epitome of “Never let grass go under your feet”. She was constantly on the move and in search of the next great experience. She enjoyed life to the fullest and always brought sunshine to any room she entered. John 16:22 - So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Garner McCullough and Mrs. Esther O. Matthews; her sister, Betty McCullough-White; and brothers, Jack McCullough, George McCullough, Leroy McCullough, Doriece “Sky” McCullough, Garner “Ray” McCullough, Jr., and S.L. Sanford. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Don Cotton of Hudson, Florida; two sons, Aaron Vanwade Allen and wife, Trina, of Kanagawa, Japan, and Ashton Allen and wife, Dawn, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and special sons, Dean Gordon of Washington, D.C. and Joseph Sloan of Norfolk; brothers, Floyd McCullough and wife, Mae of Fontana, California, and James “Sonny” McCullough of Waco; sisters, Catherine “Kitty” McCullough and Ruth McCullough Hood, both of Waco, Opal Stevenson of Phoenix, Arizona, and Joyce Strickland of Marlin, Texas; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Jane Richards and husband, Alan, of The Villages; brother-in-law, Steven Robert and wife, Lori, of Iowa; special brother- and sister-in-law, Jeff and Nancy Jones of Waxahachie, Texas; her adored grandchildren, Jaevin Cobb, Joshon Cobb, Aaron “Justin” Allen, Ashton and Bryce Allen, and Olivia Dunn; special and dear nieces, Monika and Monique Mitchell and Mariah Hood; and nephews, Emanuel “Manny” Mitchell, Quintese Jones; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many more other relatives, co-workers and friends. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall at www.WHBfamily.com.