Marie Woolaver Cotten

Mary Marie Woolaver Cotten, 92, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023, in Abilene, Texas.

Marie was born January 24, 1930, to Thomas Sim and Nora Stamford Weir in Hamilton. She was the youngest of five children. Marie received her education at Hamilton Schools, subsequently completing formal education through home course work. During World War II, Marie moved with her parents to Fort Worth.

On December 7, 1946, Marie married Jacob Vernon (Jay) Woolaver, her husband of 53 years. They had three children: Sandra Kay, Donna Sue, and Joseph Randal (Randy). On March 1, 2006, Dennis Cotten and Marie were married.

When Marie retired from her work as a receptionist and PBX operator at the Taylor County Courthouse, she was able to enjoy her many hobbies. She especially loved hosting family gatherings, gardening, traveling, and participating in activities at Calvary Baptist Church, of which she was a member for over 50 years.

Marie was preceded in death by Jay Woolaver, Randy Woolaver, Dennis Cotten, and her sibling. She is survived by her daughters; Sandra Kay Adling and Ken Guernsey of Levelland, Donna Leech and husband Jim of Albany; five grandchildren, Jennifer Adling and husband Eric Fisher of Lubbock, Dustin Adling of Lubbock, Cody Leech and wife Kalico of Albany, Kimberly Leech Odom and husband Justin of Cisco, Brittany Hull Rodriguez and husband Michael of Providence Village; nine great grandchildren, Leddie and Laithe Leech, Jeithin and Jeis Odom, and Abigail, Jaxon, Chanse, Ellie, and Jude Rodriguez; and her brother-in-law, Bill Woolaver of Decatur.

The family would like to thank everyone at Wisteria Place Assisted Living and Kinder Hearts Hospice Care for their loving care and kindness to our loved one. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choosing.