Ellen C. Cotton died Monday, March 31, 2014, at her home in Belmont Gardens.  She was 87.

Born in Philadelphia, Miss., she was the daughter of the late Jessie Martin Carter and Minnie Crews Carter and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Mrs. Cotton was a graduate of Jones Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a teacher for 35 years and taught in Warren County Schools for 20 years. Mrs.Cotton was a member of numerous educational organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and a charter member of the Mississippi Professional Educators.

She is survived by her daughter, Carrie C. Hodges, (Max A. Hodges Jr.) of Indianola; her son, Dee Cotton (Michelle), of Vicksburg; three grandsons, Matthew Hodges, Martin Hodges and Hunter Busby; her sister, Ola Carter Hunter, of Decatur, Miss.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Dwain Cotton, and several brothers and sisters.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2014, at Riles Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Burch, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the service.  Memorials may be made to favorite charities.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Hodges, Martin Hodges, Hunter Busby, Ronnie Harvey, Tommy Carter and Charlie Ross.