Pauline Ruth Cotton, 82, homemaker, a resident of Muskogee, OK; transitioned Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the home.

On December 6, 1943, in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, a daughter, Pauline Mabery was born to the union of Grover and Bobbie Lee Mabery (Martin). She was the 3rd of 6 children.

During her formative years, she attended Webbers Falls Elementary in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, and later transitioned to Douglass Elementary School and Sadler Jr. High in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Pauline graduated from Manual Training High School in 1962. After graduating high school, she married James Rudolph Cotton on July 28th, 1962. To this union, four children were born: Chiquita (Archellus) Ponds, James (Tammy) Cotton, Jr., Reggie (Toni) Cotton, and Dr. Daphne Cotton. Her children provided pure joy by giving her seven grandchildren: two from Chiquita, Little Daphne and Ian; two from James, Jr., Amber and J'Mee; and three from Reggie, Stormy, Isaiah and Jordyn. Her granddaughter Stormy also blessed her with a precious great-grandson, Jalon Wallace. Pauline loved children and began taking Early Childhood classes at Northeastern State University. She utilized some of her skills by co-teaching preschool classes for Muskogee Head Start. She also worked for Brockway Glass and Coburn Optical.

Pauline, fondly referred to by her husband as "Peanut," was a member of Rayfield Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and participating in the Women’s Mission Group. Over the years, she shared her gift of music in many ways. She served as the Collate District Minister of Music for many years, and she absolutely loved singing with her siblings, Josephine, Willie, Norma, Charlotte, and MiKeal. The “Mabery Family” traveled near and far, gifting their melodic voices. His Eye is on the Sparrow and We Thank You, Lord were two of Pauline’s favorite songs, and residents of Muskogee loved to hear her sing them!

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Cotton, her parents Grover & Bobbie Lee Mabery, and three sisters, Josephine Drew, Norma Mayfield, and Charlotte Tate.

Pauline leaves to cherish her memory her children, grandchildren, and two brothers, Willie Mabery, Muskogee, OK, and MiKeal Mabery (Peggy), Tulsa, OK, and a special friend, Antuane Barnes, whom she referred to as “her son.” Pauline also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who will continue to honor her life.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled, Thursday, August 6, 2026, 10:30 a.m., Rayfield Baptist Church, 601 Indianapolis Street, Muskogee, OK; with Rev. Leroy Walker Sr., delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee