Sunday's Obituary - Annie Gibbs Cotton

I was very fortunate to know three of my great-grandparents. Annie Gibbs Cotton was one of them. She was the mother of Fern Lyndell Cotton, my grandmother. I remember my mother taking us to visit or run errands for her when she lived in Bethel and from visits to my grandmother's house when she lived in the Odd Fellows Home in Auburn. She died March 21, 1987 at the age of 94.

The Lewiston Journal - Mar 23, 1987

West Paris     Annie Gibbs Cotton, 94, died Saturday at Ledgeview Memorial Home, where she had been a patient since 1982. Prior to that she had been a resident at the Odd Fellows Home, Auburn, since 1973.

She was born at Paris, Aug. 19, 1892, the daughter of George and Nina Ellingwood Gibbs. She was educated in Paris grade schools and South Paris High School. She married Ray E. Cotton on July 21, 1909, at Paris; he died in April 1962. She worked at Cotton's Restaurant, Bethel, for 12 years. She was a practical nurse and cared for many persons in their homes in the area. 

At one time she had extensive doll collections, one of which was considered one of the best in New England. She also dealt in antiques at Mechanics Falls, Bethel, and Bridgton for several years. She was a member of the Mechanic Falls Baptist Church. She served as worthy matron of Dwinal Chapter, OES, was past noble grand of Sunset Rebekah Lodge and a past district deputy president of the Rebekahs. 

Surviving are a son, Albert Cotton of Bethel, two daughters, Mrs. Lyndell Carter of Bethel and Mrs. Ada Cummings of Rosell Park, N.J., 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.