Obituary of Helen Marie Cotton

Helen Marie Cotton was born on February 18, 1956 in Monroe, Michigan from the union of William and Althea (Cairl) Norton. In 1974, Helen graduated from Mason High School. She was later joined in marriage to Ernest Cotton in Pensacola, Florida.  He unfortunately passed away in 2012.  Together, the couple would be blessed with one daughter.

She worked for sixteen years as a Food Coordinator in the Youth Department for Monroe County, retiring in 2012.

As a member of The Grandmothers group on Facebook, Helen became acquainted with other women that were grandparents.  The group would share photos and stories about their grandchildren.  They exchanged Christmas cards; allowing Helen to excitedly receive an over abundance in the mail.

Shopping was one of Helen’s favorite hobbies, so much so, that the employees at Target probably knew her by her first name.  She had a passion for fishing. Her and her son-n-law, Shulie, slayed thirteen catfish in one day.  Helen did not hesitate to get them fileted, cleaned, and cooked, so they could enjoy their hard-earned meal.

Helen put her heart into doing things that were extra special for her family.  Every year, she would bake birthday cakes from scratch for her grandkids.  Helen also liked spending time in the kitchen, cooking up some her best dishes. 

Family meant everything to Helen. She was a loving mom and grandma and spent every other weekend with her grandkids.  With her being the rock of the family, life is going to be very hard without her. 

Helen Marie Cotton, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. She was proceeded in death by her parents; husband: Ernest Cotton, September 2012; brother: Ronald Norton; and aunt: Norene Schaffer.

To cherish her memory, Helen leaves her brothers; Bill (Patricia) Norton and Lee Norton; grandchildren: Alysia Poloskey, Nevaeh Cotton, Noah Cotton, Caleela Hatley, Anastasia Hatley, Serenity Cotton, Roseitta Jones, and Shulie Jones III.

Friends and family may gather Tuesday, January 26, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, (734) 384-5185. A celebration of her life will take place Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor, Rick Massengill, from North Monroe Street Church of God.  Cremation will take place at a later time.

Memorials are suggested to Helen’s grandchildren. Online guests may leave words of comfort or share photos at www.merklefs.com