Trudy Atkinson Cotton

Trudy Atkinson Cotton, age 62, of Rutherfordton, died at her home on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. 

Trudy was born on Thursday, June 28, 1962 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to the late Joseph Howard Atkinson, Jr. and Kay Shepperd Atkinson. She graduated from R.V. Regional High School in 1980. Trudy owned and operated The Hedger House in Chatsworth, New Jersey for many years in addition to working as a cook in various restaurants. She loved spending time with her family, friends and precious grandchildren. Trudy also enjoyed taking trips to the beach.

In addition to her parents, Trudy was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Franklin Cotton, Sr.; her stepdaughter, Tracie Cotton; and brothers, Eddie Atkinson, Jodi Atkinson, and Johnny Atkinson. 

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Colbert (Lamont), of Rutherfordton; sons, Phillip Cotton (Brandi), of Rutherfordton, and Kenny Cotton (Amanda), of Orangeburg, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Hunter Billings, Aiden Billings, Haiden Longardner, Nathen Longardner, Phillip Cotton Jr., Savannah Cotton, Cooper Cotton, and Elsie Cotton; brothers, Keith Atkinson (Joann), Ross Atkinson (Melissa), and Chuck Atkinson (Noreen); and a host of nieces and nephews. 

 A gathering of family and friends to honor Trudy's life will be conducted from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 16th at Harrelson Funeral Home.